The Allied Peoples Movement has accused President Bola Tinubu of abdicating the responsibilities of the presidency to what it described as a “cabal,” while calling on the President to reconsider his reported plan to seek re-election in 2027.
The allegation was contained in a statement by the party on Friday, in which the APM criticised what it described as the administration’s handling of governance and the President’s extended absence from the country.
The party alleged that key decisions of government were increasingly being influenced or taken by individuals around the President rather than by the President himself. It did not provide independent evidence establishing that presidential powers had been formally transferred to any group.
The APM’s position comes amid renewed public discussion over President Tinubu’s extended stay outside Nigeria. The Presidency has maintained that the President continues to discharge his constitutional responsibilities while abroad.
Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, recently said the President’s constitutional powers were not limited by his physical location and that Tinubu could continue to direct government affairs from outside the country.
The Presidency also said Tinubu’s working vacation had been extended by a few days and that he was expected to return to Nigeria.
The APM, however, argued that the President should take responsibility for the challenges confronting the country rather than allowing what it described as unelected individuals to exercise influence over government.
The party also linked its criticism to the 2027 presidential election, urging Tinubu not to seek another term.
Its position is part of a wider political debate over the performance of the current administration, particularly issues surrounding the economy, insecurity, governance and the President’s political plans ahead of the next general election.
The APM did not present its allegation of a “cabal” exercising presidential authority as the outcome of a court finding or an established constitutional arrangement. It is therefore a political claim by the opposition party.
Under Nigeria’s constitutional framework, executive authority is vested in the President, who serves as Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. Where a President proceeds on vacation or is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of office, Section 145 of the Constitution provides for a written declaration to the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The issue of presidential absence has recently attracted political debate after Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the 81st United Nations General Assembly while Tinubu remained abroad.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had questioned whether Tinubu had transmitted a written declaration under Section 145, while the Presidency has maintained that the President remains in charge of the government.
The APM’s latest statement adds to criticism from opposition figures and political groups concerning the administration’s governance and the President’s 2027 political plans.
The party’s call for Tinubu to reconsider seeking another term is ultimately a political position rather than a change in the constitutional timetable. Nigeria’s next presidential election is scheduled for 2027, with political parties and aspirants expected to continue organising and making their positions known ahead of the polls.
Meanwhile, the Presidency and the President’s political allies have continued to defend his administration’s record and maintain that Tinubu remains actively involved in governance.
The latest dispute therefore reflects the broader political contest ahead of 2027, with opposition parties challenging the administration’s record and the President’s political direction, while government officials continue to defend its policies and constitutional standing.
