The Presidency has reassured the public that there is no leadership vacuum despite the absence of both President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, who are currently abroad. In a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the administration confirmed that both leaders are actively engaged in national affairs, even while outside the country.

President Tinubu departed on October 3 for a two-week working vacation, while Vice President Shettima left for Sweden on October 16 for official duties. Onanuga emphasized that both leaders continue to oversee the nation’s affairs, ensuring smooth governance.

This situation, according to the spokesperson, is not unprecedented. He referenced similar instances in 2022 when former President Muhammadu Buhari and then-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo were both out of the country. The government continued functioning smoothly during their simultaneous absence.

Onanuga’s statement reiterated that all state organs are fully operational, with key officials such as the Senate President, Ministers, and Service Chiefs remaining in their respective roles. “There is no leadership vacuum,” he stressed, noting that President Tinubu is actively handling matters remotely.

However, some critics, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have raised concerns about the absence of both leaders during a challenging period for the nation. Abubakar questioned if Nigeria was on “autopilot.” Meanwhile, public affairs analyst Dr. Abubakar Sani acknowledged these concerns but pointed out that the Constitution does not mandate the president’s constant physical presence to ensure governance.

The Presidency’s stance underscores that modern technology allows leaders to remain in control, even when away from the country, and affirms that government operations remain uninterrupted.

Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio has dismissed rumors of an alleged plot to impeach him, describing the news as “fake” and AI-generated. Akpabio addressed the issue during Wednesday’s plenary, following reports that operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) had surrounded the National Assembly due to the supposed plan to unseat him.

Akpabio assured the Senate that its leadership remains stable, emphasizing that there is no truth to the impeachment speculations, which he labeled as a “mirage.” He expressed concern over the growing spread of fake news in the media, jokingly suggesting that the matter be referred to the Senate Committee on Police Affairs.

The Senate President referred the issue to the Committee on Special Duties for further investigation, with a report expected within 24 hours. Akpabio has faced recurring impeachment rumors since the 10th Senate was inaugurated in June 2023.

The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially inaugurated its newly elected executive committee, led by Abayomi Tella, who will guide the party for the next four years.

During the inauguration, Dada Awoleye, chairman of the caretaker committee, presented the certificate of return to Tella and urged the new executives to focus on securing the party’s victory in the upcoming local government elections on November 16. Awoleye emphasized that this executive committee represents the legitimate leadership of the party in Ogun State and called for efforts to reconcile disgruntled members, highlighting that the party’s success hinges on unity.

In his acceptance speech, Tella expressed the commitment of the new executive to rejuvenate and reposition the party in preparation for the 2027 elections. He acknowledged the potential for differing interests within the party but stressed the importance of managing those differences effectively.

Tella stated, “We’ve started managing our interests, and it is crucial for the party’s progress.”