The African Action Congress (AAC) has dragged President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the National Assembly to the Federal High Court in Abuja over the President’s prolonged absence from the country.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2353/2026, was filed on Monday, September 28, 2026, by the party’s National Legal Adviser and human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong. It follows Tinubu’s departure for a European vacation on August 30, which was initially described as a three-week “working vacation” before being extended into late September.
The party is asking the court to determine if the President can proceed on vacation without transmitting a written declaration to the Senate President and Speaker of the House, as strictly required by Section 145(1) of the 1999 Constitution.
The legal action also directly targets the National Assembly leadership. The AAC argues that the legislature failed to perform its constitutional duty to empower Vice President Kashim Shettima to act as President after Tinubu’s absence exceeded the 21-day limit set by Section 145(2) of the Constitution.
In a 30-paragraph affidavit, the AAC National Secretary, Oshiokhue Philip Ikpeminoghena, alleged that Senate President Godswill Akpabio neglected his constitutional duties during this critical period. The filing claims Akpabio chose to travel to a prayer ground in Italy instead of convening the assembly to address the leadership gap.
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The party is seeking a formal declaration that Tinubu’s failure to transmit the required written declaration was unconstitutional and a violation of his oath of office. They also want a perpetual injunction restraining future presidents from traveling without complying with the law, alongside any other orders the court deems fit.
AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, who was present at the court to witness the filing, explained the party’s firm stance on the matter to waiting journalists.
“We have taken a position in our party to sue him for this and [demand] that the National Assembly commence his impeachment,” Sowore stated. He noted that while he understands the President is currently receiving medical care abroad, the constitutional rules must still be strictly followed.
The lawsuit underscores a growing public debate over transparency and the continuous functioning of Nigeria’s highest office. As the court prepares to hear the matter, the AAC’s actions serve as a stark reminder that constitutional provisions are not mere suggestions but binding rules designed to protect the nation’s stability.
Promise Idoko is Junior Reporter working with moderncrux He covers global politics and international affairs. Based in Nigeria,
