Atiku aide warns Tinubu: Don't repeat Yar'Adua absence uncertainty during Makkah trip
Paul Ibe, media aide to former VP Atiku Abubakar, has warned President Tinubu against creating governance uncertainty with his Makkah pilgrimage trip. In a post on X today, Ibe cited former President Yar'Adua's prolonged absence as precedent Nigerians must not repeat. He demanded the Presidency provide a definite return date and disclose any medical treatment that could affect Tinubu's ability to govern.
Ibe argued prayers must be matched by effective action on insecurity and economic hardship. He invoked Section 145 of the Constitution, which requires the President to notify the National Assembly if unable to discharge duties, allowing VP Kashim Shettima to serve as Acting President. The warning comes as Nigerians face rising insecurity and cost-of-living pressures.
The Presidency has not yet issued a formal statement on Tinubu's return timeline or itinerary details. Constitutional lawyers note Section 145 has rarely been invoked since 1999.
Should the President's office proactively publish travel itineraries and health updates to prevent speculation, or is this political opposition posturing?