Presidency dismisses fears of leadership vacuum amid President, VP’s absence

By Kunle Sanni

The Nigerian Presidency has assured citizens that there will be no leadership vacuum, even as both President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima are out of the country on separate engagements.

In a statement released on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency emphasized that the nation’s governance remains fully functional, with key decisions and directives being made remotely.

President Tinubu is currently on a two-week working vacation, having left Nigeria on October 3. On the same day, Vice President Shettima departed for a two-day official visit to Sweden, representing Nigeria in international discussions.

Onanuga’s statement clarified that President Tinubu is still actively involved in governance, maintaining regular communication and issuing directives as necessary. Vice President Shettima, meanwhile, continues to uphold Nigeria’s international engagements, with both leaders remaining connected to the administration’s ongoing work.

The Presidency also stressed that other government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, ministers, and service chiefs, are continuing with the day-to-day operations of the state.

Citing previous instances, the statement pointed to 2022, when both former President Muhammadu Buhari and then-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo were out of the country, yet government activities proceeded without disruption. Similarly, it referenced earlier this year when Tinubu and Shettima were abroad, and governance remained seamless.

The statement further noted that modern technology allows leaders to effectively govern from anywhere in the world, stating that the Nigerian Constitution does not require the physical presence of the President or Vice President within the country at all times.

Reassuring Nigerians, the Presidency confirmed that there is no disruption to leadership and reiterated the administration’s commitment to addressing the nation’s challenges.