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Don’t call me Acting President, Tinubu is still in power and running Nigeria — Akpabio
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has rejected references to him as Nigeria’s “acting president”, insisting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains in power and continues to direct the affairs of the country despite being abroad on vacation.
Akpabio made the clarification on Tuesday during the inauguration of roads constructed by the Akwa Ibom State Government in Ikot Ekpene.
According to the Senate President, Tinubu has not handed over presidential powers to him and remains actively involved in running the country.
“Don’t call me acting president. Tinubu is still in power and still running the affairs of Nigeria. What he cannot do here, he is doing it from abroad,” Akpabio said.
His comments come about a week after the Akwa Ibom State Government referred to Akpabio as “acting president” in a social media post, a description that generated public discussion over who was exercising presidential authority while Tinubu remained outside Nigeria.
Akpabio’s latest statement comes amid renewed attention on the President’s absence from the country and his decision not to personally attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The Presidency has said Tinubu is on a working vacation and has continued to direct government affairs from abroad. It also said the President delegated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent Nigeria at the UN General Assembly, where he is expected to deliver the country’s national statement.
The Presidency has further announced that Tinubu’s working vacation has been extended by a few days, with the President expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend.
Akpabio’s clarification therefore puts to rest, at least from his own account, the description of him as acting president, while stressing that Tinubu remains the substantive President and continues to exercise the functions of his office.

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