President Tinubu Set to Return to Nigeria After Two-Week Foreign Trip
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria today after spending nearly two weeks abroad, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed on Monday.
In a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Onanuga simply stated, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will return home today.”
The presidency had previously assured Nigerians that the President remained fully engaged with governance during his overseas stay. In a statement last Thursday, Onanuga clarified that Tinubu had moved from Paris to London and had been in constant communication with top government officials.
“While abroad, he has been directing security agencies to respond to emerging threats and overseeing key national matters,” the statement said, emphasizing that his trip was aligned with the previously communicated two-week timeframe, with a scheduled return date of April 21.
The trip, described as a working visit, began on April 2. The presidency said the purpose was to evaluate the administration’s mid-term performance and review critical milestones.
However, Tinubu’s extended absence has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, especially amid worsening insecurity in Plateau, Benue, Zamfara, and other states. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, through his aide Paul Ibe, described the President’s continued stay abroad as “irresponsible,” citing ongoing violence and loss of lives.
Labour Party’s Peter Obi also urged Tinubu to return immediately, noting that over 150 Nigerians had been killed in the last two weeks alone. “We need leadership that is present and responsive,” he said.
In response, APC’s Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed suggestions of a leadership vacuum, stating that the President remained in control and had delegated responsibilities effectively to the Vice President.
“Being abroad doesn’t mean the President isn’t leading,” he said. “The government continues to function with full leadership engagement.”
