The Nigerian presidential line of succession is the constitutionally established order by which officials assume the powers and duties of the President of Nigeria in the event of incapacity, death, resignation, or removal of the sitting president or president-elect.
Constitutional Basis
The succession process is governed by Sections 144–146 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
- Section 146(1): The Vice President assumes the office of the President if the President dies, resigns, is permanently incapacitated, or removed.
- Section 146(2): If both the President and Vice President are unable to act, the President of the Senate shall act as President for a maximum of three months, during which a new election must be held.
- If the Senate President is also unable to act, the National Assembly is empowered to enact a law determining the next course of action.
Key Succession Events
- May 2010: Upon the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Vice President Goodluck Jonathan was sworn in as President, in accordance with the constitutional provision.
Common Misconceptions
- The Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Chief Justice of Nigeria are not part of the constitutional line of succession.
- The role of the Chief Justice is limited to administering the oath of office, not succession.
Current Order of Succession (As of 2025)
| Rank | Office | Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vice President of Nigeria | Kashim Shettima |
| 2 | President of the Senate | Godswill Akpabio |
If neither is able to serve, the National Assembly is expected to pass a law determining the next step, as outlined by Section 146(2) of the Constitution.
Summary
- Primary successors: Vice President → Senate President
- Temporary power: Senate President holds power for maximum of 3 months
- General election: Must be held within that period to elect new leadership
- Further succession: Determined by National Assembly legislation if needed
See Also
- 1999 Constitution of Nigeria(https://publicofficialsfinancialdisclosure.org/assets/docs/laws/nigeria1999constitutionamended2011.pdf)
- Presidency of Nigeria(#)
- Federal Government of Nigeria(#)