The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu of breaching the Constitution by failing to take action on the Federal Audit Service Bill, giving him seven days to either assent to the legislation or communicate his reasons for withholding assent.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former vice president said the President’s continued inaction violates Section 58(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which requires the President to signify assent or withhold assent to a bill within 30 days of its transmission by the National Assembly.

“That provision is neither decorative nor discretionary. It is a constitutional command,” Atiku said.

He argued that the Federal Audit Service Bill was designed to strengthen the independence of the Auditor-General, modernise Nigeria’s audit system and improve oversight of public expenditure.

According to him, delaying action on legislation intended to improve transparency sends the wrong signal at a time when Nigerians are demanding greater accountability in public finance.

Atiku alleged that the delay reflects a broader pattern of disregard for constitutional safeguards and institutional accountability under the current administration.

He said neglecting constitutional obligations weakens public institutions and encourages impunity.

The former vice president also referenced the recent controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), arguing that weak institutional safeguards create room for governance failures and conflicting official narratives.

“If constitutional timelines can be ignored without consequence, if accountability legislation can remain unattended beyond the period contemplated by the Constitution, then no Nigerian should be surprised when controversies emerge over public institutions and official processes,” he said.

Atiku maintained that executive authority does not permit selective obedience to the Constitution.

“The same Constitution that confers enormous powers on the President also places clear obligations upon him. Executive authority is not a licence for constitutional indifference,” he stated.

He called on President Tinubu to comply with Section 58(4) by either assenting to the Federal Audit Service Bill or formally notifying the National Assembly of his decision to withhold assent and the reasons for doing so.

Atiku further argued that continued silence would reinforce concerns about executive disregard for constitutional provisions and accountability.

He said respect for constitutional timelines is essential to sustaining public trust and democratic governance.