The Nigerian presidency has sought to quell growing concerns over President Bola Tinubu's extended absence from the country, asserting that the leader is in good health and will return this week. The statement comes amid mounting criticism from opposition figures and political factions over Tinubu's decision not to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York and his extended stay abroad.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, defended Tinubu's absence, describing it as a 'working vacation' during which the president continues to fulfill his official duties. Onanuga emphasized that Tinubu's physical absence from Abuja does not hinder his ability to govern, citing the digital age's capacity for remote leadership. 'He does not need to be physically present in Abuja to do the work for which he was elected in 2023,' Onanuga stated in a Sunday press release.
Tinubu departed Nigeria on 30 August for London, initially scheduled for a three-week annual leave. The presidency later rebranded the trip as a 'working vacation,' with the president traveling to Paris, France, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré. On 21 September, the presidency announced that Tinubu had extended his stay by a few days, with plans to return to Nigeria over the weekend.
During his time in France, Tinubu participated in the signing of agreements between the Ogun State Government and DP World for the development of the Gateway Deep Sea Port and the Ogun State Blue Marine Special Economic Zone. The projects, according to Ogun State officials, are projected to attract over $7 billion in initial investment and create more than 50,000 direct jobs. The proposed deep seaport at Ogun Waterside is expected to have a four-kilometer berth and an 18-meter draft, aiming to alleviate pressure on the Lagos port corridor and enhance Nigeria's maritime trade capacity.
Despite the presidency's assurances, opposition leaders have criticized Tinubu's absence, particularly his failure to attend the UNGA for the third consecutive year. Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, questioned the president's whereabouts on social media, highlighting the significance of presidential representation at the global forum. 'Where is Nigeria’s President?' Obi asked, contrasting Tinubu's absence with Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama's address at the UNGA. Obi also noted that while Vice President Kashim Shettima attended the assembly, the absence of the president raised concerns about Nigeria's diplomatic engagement.
The presidency has previously defended Tinubu's UNGA absence, stating that Shettima's participation ensured adequate representation. However, critics argue that the president's prolonged absence undermines Nigeria's global standing. A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by former minister Kabiru Turaki, criticized the extension of Tinubu's vacation, suggesting he should have traveled to the U.S. for the UNGA after his European engagements. The African Democratic Congress also raised constitutional concerns, questioning the implications of both Tinubu and Shettima's extended absence.
Onanuga reiterated that Tinubu would return to Nigeria this week, with plans to attend events marking the country's 66th Independence Anniversary and the premiere of a film commemorating the late MKO Abiola, a democracy campaigner who died in detention after the annulment of the 1993 election. The presidency framed these engagements as critical to honoring Nigeria's democratic legacy.
The controversy has sparked debates about the constitutional procedures governing presidential absences. Some lawmakers have called for the National Assembly to investigate whether the procedures for handling such absences were followed. The African Democratic Congress specifically raised questions about the legal framework, arguing that prolonged absence without clear justification could set a dangerous precedent.
Tinubu's extended stay abroad has also drawn scrutiny over the transparency of his activities. While the presidency highlighted his participation in high-profile economic agreements, critics argue that the lack of public details about his itinerary and interactions raises questions about accountability. The Ogun State projects, though significant, have not been widely discussed in the context of Tinubu's broader policy priorities.
The opposition's criticism is not limited to the UNGA. Obi and other leaders have pointed to a pattern of perceived neglect in Tinubu's leadership, including his failure to address pressing domestic issues such as security, economic instability, and public service delivery. These concerns have fueled growing skepticism about the administration's commitment to addressing the challenges facing Nigerians.
The presidency's defense of Tinubu's absence has been met with mixed reactions. While some supporters argue that the president's focus on economic diplomacy is justified, others view the prolonged absence as a sign of disengagement from domestic governance. The lack of clear communication about Tinubu's activities has further fueled speculation and criticism.
As the president prepares to return, the focus will shift to how his absence is perceived in the context of Nigeria's political and economic challenges. The upcoming Independence Anniversary events and the film premiere are expected to serve as platforms for reasserting the administration's priorities, but they may also become points of contention in the ongoing debate over leadership and accountability.