Summary: The African Action Congress has taken President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the President’s alleged failure to formally transmit power to Vice President Kashim Shettima during his vacation period.
The African Action Congress (AAC) is not here to play games. The opposition party has marched straight to the Federal High Court in Abuja, filing a lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly over what they describe as a brazen disregard for constitutional provisions — specifically, the President’s alleged failure to formally hand over power to Vice President Kashim Shettima before embarking on his vacation.
What Is This Case All About?
For many Nigerians, the question on their lips is simple: “Why is this even an issue?” Well, here is the thing — the Nigerian Constitution is very clear on this matter. Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) explicitly states that whenever the President is proceeding on vacation or is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office, he must write to the National Assembly, formally transmitting power to the Vice President.
This is not a suggestion. It is not a guideline. It is the law of the land.
The AAC is alleging that President Tinubu failed to follow this constitutional requirement before leaving the country, effectively leaving Nigeria in a state of uncertainty about who was truly holding the reins of power.
AAC’s Position: “No One Is Above the Law”
The African Action Congress, known for its vocal opposition stance, has made it clear that this lawsuit is about defending constitutional democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria. Their argument is straightforward — if the ordinary Nigerian on the streets of Lagos, Kano, or Port Harcourt must obey the law, then the President of the Federal Republic must also be bound by the same constitution he swore to uphold.
This is not the first time questions have been raised about President Tinubu’s travel and the absence of proper power transmission. Many Nigerians have watched with growing concern as the issue has repeatedly come up without any satisfactory resolution from the Presidency.
The National Assembly Is Also in the Dock
Interestingly, the AAC did not stop at suing the President alone. The National Assembly has also been dragged into the suit, with the party questioning the legislature’s silence and apparent inaction in holding the executive accountable to constitutional standards.
For many Nigerians who have long accused the National Assembly of being a rubber stamp body that bows to the Presidency, this move by the AAC is a bold reminder that someone, somewhere, must speak truth to power.
Why This Matters for Every Nigerian
You might be wondering — “Is this just political drama, or does it actually affect me?”
The honest answer is: it affects all of us.
When the President travels without formally transmitting power, it creates a dangerous constitutional vacuum. In the event of a national emergency, a security crisis, or any situation requiring immediate presidential action, who exactly is in charge? Who signs off on critical decisions? Who bears the constitutional authority to act on behalf of over 200 million Nigerians?
These are not abstract legal questions. They are practical matters that touch on national security, governance, and the very stability of our democracy.
The Bigger Picture
Nigeria’s democracy, though still maturing, depends heavily on its citizens and institutions holding leaders accountable. The AAC’s lawsuit, regardless of one’s political leanings, represents exactly the kind of civic action that strengthens democratic culture.
As the case proceeds at the Federal High Court in Abuja, many Nigerians will be watching closely to see whether the judiciary will once again prove itself as the last hope of the common man — or whether this will become another case that drags on indefinitely in the corridors of justice.
One thing is certain: the conversation about constitutional compliance and presidential accountability is now firmly back on the front burner, and Nigerians deserve clear, transparent answers.
Stay with us for updates as this story develops.
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