President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his working vacation by a few days and is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend, according to the Presidency.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday, September 21, 2026, by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The Presidency explained that while President Tinubu remains outside Nigeria, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, will continue representing him at official events.
The clarification comes as Vice President Kashim Shettima is currently in New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where he is representing President Tinubu and is scheduled to deliver Nigeria’s national statement.
Tinubu began his working vacation on August 30, departing Nigeria for London. After spending about a week in the United Kingdom, he travelled to Paris, France, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.
Despite being away from Nigeria, the Presidency said President Tinubu has remained in contact with officials at home and continues to direct the affairs of the country.
One of the directives issued during his vacation was the establishment of an independent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Minna, Niger State, following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
According to the Presidency, Vice President Shettima had earlier represented Tinubu at several official engagements during the President’s absence. However, Shettima departed Abuja on September 20 for New York to attend the UN General Assembly.
With the Vice President away, Senator George Akume, who has also been representing the President at public events, will continue in that role until Tinubu returns.
The Presidency’s statement therefore indicates that Akume’s current role is one of representation at official events, rather than a transfer of presidential powers or a formal succession arrangement.
Meanwhile, political activities have continued in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Presidency said Senator Abubakar Yari, Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, has been leading consultations involving notable party leaders and prominent traditional rulers across the country.
The statement also addressed comments surrounding President Tinubu’s absence from the United Nations General Assembly, with the Presidency rejecting what it described as claims concerning the President’s non-attendance.
Vice President Shettima, who is representing the President at the international gathering, is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the UN proceedings.
President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend following the short extension of his working vacation.
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The latest development means that, pending the President’s return, Senator George Akume will continue to represent him at relevant official engagements while Vice President Shettima handles Nigeria’s representation at the UN General Assembly in New York.
[…] Tinubu Extends Working Vacation, Akume Continues to Represent President at Official Events […]