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.
