The Presidency has assured Nigerians that there is no leadership vacuum in the country, despite the absence of both President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima. According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, government operations are proceeding smoothly, even in their physical absence.
Onanuga made this statement in response to growing public concerns about the President and Vice President being out of the country at the same time. He emphasized that both leaders remain fully engaged in the nation’s affairs through modern communication technology, allowing them to perform their duties from abroad.
“There is no leadership vacuum in the country,” Onanuga said. “The President and Vice President are both connected and actively participating in the running of the government, issuing directives and making decisions remotely.”
President Tinubu is currently on a two-week working vacation abroad. During this period, Onanuga explained, he has been in regular contact with key officials in Nigeria, ensuring the smooth continuation of governance. Tinubu is expected to return to the country before the end of his vacation.
“The President has been busy answering calls and giving instructions on critical matters of state while away,” Onanuga said. “This is not unusual, and governance has not been disrupted in any way.”
Vice-President Shettima, on the other hand, is on an official visit to Sweden, representing Nigeria’s interests on the international stage.
Onanuga also pointed out that other high-ranking officials, including the Senate President, ministers, and service chiefs, are all in place and performing their duties. “All state organs are functioning as usual, and the machinery of government is running without any issues,” he said.
He recalled similar instances in the past when both the President and Vice President were out of the country simultaneously, and yet, the government continued to function effectively. One such occasion was in 2022 when former President Muhammadu Buhari attended the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) while former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo was attending the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
“We’ve experienced this before during the current administration as well. In April and May this year, both President Tinubu and Vice-President Shettima were abroad on separate official assignments. The government continued to operate seamlessly during that period,” he explained.
Onanuga’s clarification came after questions were raised by reporters and the public, wondering whether the absence of both top leaders would affect the country’s governance. He insisted that the Nigerian Constitution, being adaptable to modern technology, does not require the physical presence of either the President or the Vice President in the country at all times to perform their duties.
The Presidency reassured Nigerians that governance remains on course, with modern technology enabling leaders to stay connected and carry out their responsibilities from anywhere in the world.