From Sola Ojo, Abuja
The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) yesterday condemned the decision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to transfer power to Vice President Kashim Shettima during his absence from the country. President Tinubu has been away to France from where he headed for London.
The group described the move as a direct affront to Nigeria’s constitutional framework and a dangerous deviation from democratic norms.
In a statement by the Council’s National President, Isah Abubakar, the group accused President Tinubu of violating the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which outlines clear protocols for the temporary transfer of presidential powers in the event of the president’s absence or incapacitation.
“This act is not only an aberration of established democratic norms, but also a flagrant violation of the 1999 Constitution.
“By failing to adhere to these constitutional provisions, President Tinubu undermines the very foundation of our democratic system and sets a troubling precedent for governance in Nigeria”, Isah argued.
He warned that the president’s refusal to delegate authority is exacerbating a growing sense of alienation and marginalization felt by many in the northern region of the country.
They accused the Tinubu administration of demonstrating a lack of inclusivity and fairness, particularly toward the North.
To him, such actions reflected a disdain for the Northern populace and raised critical concerns about the inclusiveness and equity of President Tinubu’s leadership.
The NYCN pointed to historical precedents where former Nigerian presidents complied with constitutional requirements by handing over power during periods of absence.
They cited the actions of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who transferred authority to Vice President Namadi Sambo during overseas trips, as well as the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who delegated responsibilities to then Vice President Jonathan amid health challenges in 2010.
“These leaders showed a respect for the Constitution and a deep commitment to democratic values.
“In contrast, President Tinubu’s actions suggest a dangerous trend toward centralizing power and weakening key institutions”, Isah said.
The group warned that the refusal to follow constitutional norms undermines the authority of the Vice President and threatens the stability of Nigeria’s governance structures, calling on all Nigerians – regardless of political or regional affiliations – to hold the presidency accountable.
“We implore all citizens to recognize the gravity of this situation. To protect our nation, our leaders must uphold the Constitution and ensure that every Nigerian feels equally represented and valued”, he added.
The group, however, demanded that President Tinubu immediately commit to respecting constitutional processes by transferring power to Vice President Shettima whenever he is absent from the country.
“The time has come for the president to reaffirm his commitment to the principles of democracy,” Isah said.