President Bola Tinubu is set to return to Nigeria today after nearly two weeks abroad, according to his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
In a brief message on Monday, Onanuga wrote, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will return home today.”
Earlier, the Presidency informed Nigerians that despite his absence from the country, the President was actively involved in national government.
In a statement released last Thursday, Onanuga said, “The President left Paris for London at the weekend and has maintained constant communication with key government officials, overseeing critical national matters, including directives to security chiefs to address emerging threats in some parts of the country.”
He stressed that Tinubu’s absence was temporary and “in line with the communicated timeframe of approximately two weeks,” with his return scheduled for April 21, after the Easter holidays.
“The President’s commitment to his duties remains unwavering, and his administration continues to function effectively under his leadership.
“We appreciate the public’s concern and assure all Nigerians that governance proceeds without interruption,” the statement added.
Tinubu left for Paris on April 2, 2025, for what the Presidency termed as a two-week business tour.
Onanuga stated that the goal was to “appraise his administration’s mid-term performance and assess key milestones.”
However, his extended absence abroad drew condemnation from opposition leaders despite rising insecurity in areas of the country, particularly in Plateau and Benue states.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi had both questioned the President’s absence in the wake of the growing violence.
Atiku, through his media aide Paul Ibe, criticised Tinubu’s continued stay abroad, describing it as “irresponsibility on the part of the APC-led government.”
“Tinubu is away while Nigeria burns—daily killings, attacks, and loss of territories. This is deeply troubling,” Atiku stated.
“Nigerians are yearning for real leadershi. Someone who’s present and actively engaged,” he added.
