The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has strongly criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for allegedly failing to transfer presidential powers to Vice President Kashim Shettima during his recent trip abroad. The group described the action as unconstitutional and a threat to Nigeria’s democratic principles.
In a statement issued by the NYCN’s National President, Comrade Isah Abubakar, the group expressed deep concern over what it called “a flagrant violation of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” According to the group, the Constitution clearly outlines the process to be followed when the President is unavailable or unable to perform his duties.
“By failing to adhere to these constitutional provisions, President Tinubu undermines the very foundation of our democratic system and sets a troubling precedent for governance in Nigeria,” the statement said.
President Tinubu was reportedly out of the country recently, yet no official communication was made regarding a formal handover of authority to Vice President Shettima, as is customary under Nigerian law. This has sparked outrage, particularly among youth groups and political analysts who argue that such a move weakens the trust Nigerians have in the democratic process.
The NYCN emphasised that Tinubu’s action, or lack thereof, was not just a breach of protocol but a clear disregard for Nigeria’s constitutional order. Citing past administrations as examples, the group noted that previous presidents had demonstrated respect for the rule of law by formally transferring power to their deputies in similar circumstances.
The statement read, “Former President Goodluck Jonathan, during his time in office, transferred power to his then Vice President, Namadi Sambo, whenever he had to travel abroad. Likewise, the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua allowed Vice President Jonathan to take over when he became ill in 2010, even though it took some pressure from the National Assembly and civil society groups to formalise it.”
“These actions upheld the spirit of the Constitution and sent a clear message that governance must continue regardless of a leader’s presence,” Abubakar added.
The group also raised concerns about what it described as growing alienation and marginalisation of the North under the current administration. According to them, the refusal to empower Shettima—who hails from Borno State in the North-East—is a clear signal that the region is not being treated with fairness or inclusion.
“This refusal exacerbates the existing sentiments of alienation felt by the people of Northern Nigeria toward the current administration,” the NYCN said. “It is increasingly apparent that such actions reflect a disdain for the Northern populace.”
They warned that the President’s actions could further strain Nigeria’s delicate political balance, particularly in a country where ethnic and regional considerations play a significant role in governance.
“The refusal to delegate power, even temporarily, not only undermines the Vice President’s role but also questions the inclusivity and fairness of the Tinubu administration,” the group stated.
According to Section 145(1) of the 1999 Constitution, the President is required to transmit a written declaration to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives whenever he intends to travel or is unable to perform his duties. This written communication formally empowers the Vice President to act as President until the President resumes his duties.
Failure to follow this provision, the NYCN argues, creates a power vacuum and destabilises the chain of command in the executive arm of government.
“The Constitution is clear on what should be done when the President is unavailable,” Abubakar said. “Failure to respect this process is not just a procedural lapse; it is a democratic backslide.”
While the group identifies itself as representing the interests of Northern youths, it called on all Nigerians, regardless of ethnicity or region, to speak up in defence of democratic principles and demand better accountability from the nation’s leaders.
“This is not just a Northern issue. It is a Nigerian issue,” the NYCN said. “When the Constitution is ignored, all Nigerians suffer the consequences. We must come together to demand that our leaders do the right thing.”
They called on civil society groups, religious leaders, lawmakers, and concerned citizens to put pressure on the Tinubu administration to respect the Constitution and set the right example for future governments.
The NYCN urged President Tinubu to always act in accordance with the law, stressing that a commitment to constitutional order is key to building trust and unity in the country.
“To protect our nation, our leaders must be champions of the Constitution,” the group said. “Every citizen must feel represented and respected, regardless of where they come from. It is time for President Tinubu to reaffirm his commitment to democracy by respecting the processes outlined in the Constitution, including the timely transfer of power to Vice President Shettima whenever necessary.”
The group warned that continued disregard for constitutional processes could erode public confidence in democratic governance and deepen the country’s political and regional divides.
