President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent return from a two-week working visit to France has sparked criticism from opposition quarters, with Paul Ibe, media aide to former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, openly mocking the President’s prolonged absence.
In a post shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Ibe took a swipe at Tinubu, accusing him of being out of touch with the nation’s growing security challenges. Drawing from Tinubu’s famous 2023 campaign mantra “Emi Lokan” (meaning “It’s my turn”), Ibe coined a new label: “AWOL lo kan”—a sarcastic jab implying Tinubu has gone “Absent Without Leave.”
“I have just been reminded by a friend that Tinubu actually arrived in Nigeria two days ago on a working visit,” Ibe posted. “I, formerly known and addressed as Emilokan, now wish to be known and addressed as A.W.O.L lo kan. #AWOLOKAN.”
President Tinubu reportedly returned to the country on Monday, April 8, 2025. His aircraft touched down at the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, around 9:00 p.m., where he was received by senior government officials.
Before his return, the Presidency had stated that the President would come back after the Easter holidays. His prolonged stay abroad, however, drew public concern, especially as several states—including Plateau, Borno, and Benue—experienced deadly attacks by terrorists during his absence.
Despite the criticism, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga insisted that President Tinubu remained actively engaged and in full control of national affairs while in France. During his time abroad, Tinubu held a notable meeting with Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor for Africa at the U.S. Department of State.
President Tinubu departed Nigeria for Paris on April 2, 2025, for what was described as a short working visit.
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