Oseni: Akpabio refused acting president role while Tinubu abroad

Arise Television Morning Show anchor Rufai Oseni said on Monday, September 27, 2026, that Senate President Godswill Akpabio rejected being addressed as Nigeria’s acting president while President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima were abroad. Oseni argued that Akpabio’s refusal showed he was unwilling to assert the National Assembly’s powers as a co‑equal arm of government. He pointed out that the same Assembly had endorsed a state of emergency in Rivers State to settle a political squabble, a decision made by voice vote, which he said undermines its ability to check the executive. Oseni questioned whether Akpabio could lead the legislature in challenging the president, noting that political surrogates of Akpabio had already begun calling him acting president, prompting his quick clarification. He warned Nigerians not to expect the Assembly to effectively fight for them, comparing the situation to what Montesquieu would find troubling. The comments come amid an extended overseas stay by Tinubu, raising concerns about the balance of power and the legislature’s readiness to act as an independent branch.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/28/tinubu-why-akpabio-rejected-acting-president-role-rufai-oseni/