The Presidency has defended President Bola Tinubu’s ability to govern Nigeria while outside the country, insisting that his physical location does not prevent him from exercising his constitutional responsibilities. Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, made the position known on Monday while responding to questions raised by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi over the absence of Nigeria’s two top executive leaders.

The reaction followed concerns raised by Atiku and Obi over who was effectively in charge of Nigeria, with Tinubu reportedly in Paris and Vice President Kashim Shettima in the United States for the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The opposition figures questioned the leadership situation amid the simultaneous absence of the President and his deputy from the country.

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Responding to the concerns, Bwala argued that the President’s ability to govern Nigeria is not restricted by geographical location. He cited Section 5 of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the executive powers of the President, as the basis for his position that Tinubu can continue to direct government affairs while abroad.

In a statement shared on social media, Bwala said the President could “order, direct, delegate and or administer the constitution of Nigeria anywhere in the world.” He also maintained that Tinubu’s responsibilities as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces were not suspended simply because he was outside the country.

Bwala also criticised Atiku and Obi over what he described as a lack of clearly defined alternative policy directions, accusing the opposition figures of relying on populist rhetoric. His response shifted the political exchange beyond the President’s foreign trip to broader questions about governance, constitutional authority and the opposition’s policy proposals.

The development has brought renewed attention to the constitutional framework governing executive authority and the coordination of government when the President and Vice President are abroad. While Bwala maintains that Tinubu can exercise his presidential powers from anywhere, the opposition figures’ concerns have focused on leadership and accountability during the absence of both men. The Presidency’s response forms part of the ongoing political debate over Tinubu’s foreign trip and the administration of Nigeria’s affairs.