Tinubu: Rufai Oseni Gives Reason Behind Akpabio’s Acting President Decision

Arise Television’s Rufai Oseni has explained why Senate President Godswill Akpabio moved quickly to reject being addressed as Nigeria’s acting president during the absence of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Oseni gave his interpretation on Monday while discussing Tinubu’s extended stay outside the country and the political implications of the President and Vice President being away at the same time.

According to the broadcaster, some political associates of Akpabio had already begun referring to him as acting president. He said this prompted the Senate president to publicly clarify that he did not hold that position.

Oseni argued that Akpabio’s decision to distance himself from the designation reflected the sensitivity surrounding presidential authority and succession.

He then broadened the discussion to the constitutional role of the National Assembly, questioning whether the legislature was positioned to effectively challenge the executive when necessary.

The presenter cited the National Assembly’s earlier endorsement of the state of emergency declared in Rivers State as part of his argument.

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He recalled that the declaration followed a political dispute in Rivers State and said lawmakers approved the measure through voice votes.

Oseni questioned whether Nigerians should expect the same lawmakers to strongly oppose the executive on other major constitutional matters.

He said the legislature was established as a co-equal arm of government and should exercise its powers under the principle of separation of powers.

The broadcaster’s comments centred on the need for clear institutional boundaries between the executive and legislature, particularly when questions of presidential authority arise.

The issue has attracted attention because Nigeria’s constitutional structure assigns specific responsibilities to the President, Vice President, Senate president and other senior officials.

Akpabio’s rejection of the acting-president description therefore became part of a wider discussion about who exercises presidential authority when the President and Vice President are unavailable.

Oseni’s remarks have further intensified public debate over the independence of Nigeria’s legislature and the extent to which it can serve as an effective constitutional check on executive power.