Sowore Calls for Shettima to Act as President After Tinubu’s 21 Day Absence.

African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has urged the National Assembly to invoke Section 145(2) of the 1999 Constitution and mandate Vice President Kashim Shettima to perform the functions of President in an acting capacity.

Sowore made the call after President Bola Tinubu extended his working vacation abroad beyond the initial 21 day period. He argued that the constitutional provision should be activated if the required declaration on the President’s absence was not transmitted within the stipulated period.

He also challenged the leadership of the National Assembly to clarify whether it had received the written declaration referenced under Section 145(1).

The Presidency, however, has said Tinubu remains in contact with officials and continues to direct government affairs while abroad. It announced that the President would return to Nigeria at the weekend.

Section 145(2) provides that where the President fails or is unable to transmit the required written declaration within 21 days, the National Assembly may, by a simple majority in each chamber, mandate the Vice President to perform the functions of President as Acting President.