When Buhari Was SickAnd Went Abroad,Osinbajo Put Things In Place,When He Came,He SwitchedOff-Chilaka

Political Affairs Analyst, Prince Francis Chilaka has reiterated his long-held view that vice presidents in Nigeria wield little or no real executive authority despite being constitutionally designated as second-in-command.

Speaking during an interview on Voice of the People TV, Chilaka argued that the political structure of the country leaves vice presidents unable to make consequential decisions unless explicitly empowered by the president.

To illustrate his point, he referenced the period when former President Muhammadu Buhari was away on medical leave and then Vice President Yemi Osinbajo served as Acting President. According to Chilaka, Osinbajo’s brief stewardship demonstrated what purposeful leadership could look like, yet those efforts were abruptly halted when Buhari returned.

“When Buhari was sick and went abroad, Osinbajo put some things in place which Nigerians saw as a light at the end of the tunnel. When Buhari came back, he switched off the light and brought us back to darkness,” he said.

Chilaka argued that during those months, Nigerians witnessed policy actions and administrative decisions that signalled a more responsive and dynamic government. He claimed that Osinbajo’s initiatives, ranging from economic directives to security-related decisions were widely viewed as steps toward improving governance.

However, he maintained that once Buhari resumed office, the momentum Nigerians had begun to feel quickly dissipated. Chilaka said this episode reinforces the structural reality that the vice president’s role is largely symbolic unless the president delegates substantial authority.

He added that the country must have a serious conversation about strengthening institutions rather than concentrating excessive power in the presidency. According to him, redefining the constitutional responsibilities of the vice president could help improve governance continuity and prevent stagnation whenever a president is absent or incapacitated.

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