President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected back in Nigeria today following a nearly two-week overseas working trip, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed on Monday.
In a brief statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Onanuga wrote: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will return home today,” putting to rest speculation over the president’s prolonged absence.
President Tinubu had departed Nigeria for Paris on April 2, 2025, for what the Presidency described as a working visit to assess his administration’s mid-term performance and evaluate progress on key policy milestones. Onanuga later clarified that the president had left Paris for London over the Easter weekend and was in constant communication with top government officials throughout his trip.
“The President’s commitment to his duties remains unwavering, and his administration continues to function effectively under his leadership,” Onanuga stated in a release last Thursday. “We appreciate the public’s concern and assure all Nigerians that governance proceeds without interruption.”
Despite the reassurances, Tinubu’s extended absence sparked strong reactions from opposition figures, who raised concerns over rising insecurity across the country, particularly in Plateau, Benue, Zamfara, and Borno states.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, speaking through his media aide Paul Ibe, described the president’s absence as “irresponsible,” citing daily reports of killings and attacks in parts of the country.
“Tinubu is away while Nigeria burns—daily killings, attacks, and loss of territories. This is deeply troubling,” Atiku said. “Nigerians are yearning for real leadership—someone who’s present and actively engaged.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Labour Party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, called on the president to return immediately and address the escalating crisis.
“In the two weeks you have been away, over 150 Nigerians have lost their lives to insecurity,” Obi stated. “I urge Mr President to quickly suspend whatever he is doing in France and rush home to take responsibility by addressing these disturbing issues.”
In defense, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed the criticism, asserting that the president remains fully in charge and that governance has not suffered in his absence.
As President Tinubu lands back in Nigeria, all eyes are on his next steps in tackling the worsening security challenges and restoring public confidence in his administration’s responsiveness.
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