By Peter Omopo
Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has given President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a seven-day ultimatum to either sign the Federal Audit Service Bill into law or formally communicate his reasons for withholding assent to the National Assembly, in line with constitutional provisions.
Atiku warned that failure to take either action within the stipulated period would amount to a violation of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), adding that the President should resign if he fails to comply with what he described as a constitutional obligation.
The position was contained in a statement issued on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, who accused the President of delaying action on the bill months after it was transmitted by the National Assembly.
According to Atiku, the Constitution is clear on the procedure for presidential assent to legislation. Citing Section 58(4) of the 1999 Constitution, he noted that the President is required to signify assent or withhold assent to any bill presented to him within 30 days.
He argued that prolonged inaction on the Federal Audit Service Bill undermines constitutional governance, transparency, and public accountability, stressing that Nigerians deserve clarity rather than silence.
The former Vice President described the proposed legislation as a critical reform aimed at strengthening the independence of the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, modernising Nigeria’s public audit system, and enhancing oversight of government expenditure.
Atiku further contended that delaying action on a bill designed to promote transparency sends the wrong message at a time when Nigerians are demanding stronger institutions and prudent management of public resources.
He also alleged that the President’s handling of the bill reflects what he described as a broader pattern of disregard for constitutional provisions, warning that treating constitutional obligations as optional could weaken democratic institutions and encourage a culture of impunity.
The former Vice President maintained that constitutional democracy can only thrive when leaders faithfully comply with the law, arguing that executive authority must be exercised within the limits prescribed by the Constitution.
Under Section 58(5) of the Constitution, where a President withholds assent to a bill, the National Assembly may override that decision by securing a two-thirds majority vote in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency had not issued any official response to Atiku’s remarks.
