Tinubu extends vacation, Akume to continue representing President at official events

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his working vacation in Europe by a few days and is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend, according to a statement issued by the Presidency.

The development comes amid the absence of both President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima from Nigeria, with the Vice President currently in New York representing the President at the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

Contrary to reports suggesting that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has been formally appointed Acting President of Nigeria, the Presidency’s statement does not announce such an appointment. Instead, it states that Akume, who has been representing President Tinubu at official events, will continue to do so while the President remains away.

According to the Presidential Spokesperson and Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for London to begin his annual working vacation before proceeding to Paris, France.

The Presidency said that despite being outside the country, President Tinubu has remained in contact with officials at home and continues to direct the affairs of the nation.

During his absence, Vice President Kashim Shettima was delegated to represent the President at some official functions. However, Shettima departed Abuja on September 20 for New York to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where he is representing President Tinubu and is expected to represent Nigeria’s national statement.

With the Vice President in New York, the Presidency said the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who has also been representing the President at official events, will continue in that role.

The President stated: “The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who has also been representing the President at the events, will continue to do so”.

The development has generated public discussion about the coordination of government affairs during the simultaneous absence of the President and Vice President. However, the official statement from the presidency describes Akume’s role as continuing to represent the President at events and does not state that he has assumed the constitutional office of Acting President.

Meanwhile, on the political front, the Presidency said the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), Senator Abubakar Yari, has been leading notable party leaders in consultations with prominent traditional rulers across the country.

The Presidency also responded to questions surrounding President Tinubu’s absence from the United Nations General Assembly, describing comments by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying firm as what it called “baseless insinuation” and irresponsible.

The Presidency maintained that Vice President Shettima is representing President Tinubu at the global conference and will deliver Nigeria’s national statement.

President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend following the extension of his working vacation.

Source: Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, September 21, 2026.

-9News Nigeria.