Arise Television Morning Show anchor, Rufai Oseni, has shared his perspective on why Senate President Godswill Akpabio publicly rejected being addressed as Nigeria's acting President while President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima were out of the country.

Speaking during a political analysis segment on Monday, September 28, 2026, Oseni revealed that political surrogates of the Senate President had begun referring to him by the title. However, Akpabio quickly distanced himself from the tag to clear the air—a move Oseni believes highlights deeper concerns about the balance of power in Nigeria.

Key Highlights from Oseni’s Analysis

  • The "Acting President" Controversy: Oseni noted that as rumors and titles spread among political circles due to the absence of both the President and Vice President, Akpabio felt compelled to explicitly reject the description.

  • Doubts Over Legislative Independence: Oseni argued that Akpabio's swift disclaimer signals a reluctance to lock horns with the executive branch or assert the National Assembly's constitutional authority as a co-equal arm of government.

  • The Rivers State Precedent: To back up his skepticism, Oseni pointed to the National Assembly’s recent endorsement—via a quick voice vote—of a state of emergency in Rivers State during a political feud, citing it as proof that the legislature rarely challenges executive actions.

  • A Blow to the Separation of Powers: Expressing frustration with the current political landscape, Oseni remarked that the realities of Nigeria's legislature stray far from the foundational principles of separation of powers envisioned by political theorists like Montesquieu.

Do you agree with Rufai Oseni’s assessment of the National Assembly's independence, or do you think the legislature is fulfilling its constitutional mandate? Let's discuss in the comments below!