Tinubu Extends European Stay, Returns Nigeria This Weekend

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his working vacation in Europe and is expected to return to Nigeria this weekend, the Presidency has confirmed.

Tinubu had left Nigeria on August 30 for London before proceeding to Paris, France, where he has continued his working vacation and held a number of official engagements.

The development was disclosed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the Presidency, Tinubu’s extended stay abroad has not prevented him from monitoring developments in Nigeria or directing the affairs of government.

Global Mirror News reports that the President has remained in communication with government officials while away and has continued to issue directives on matters requiring his attention.

Among the issues that received presidential attention during his stay was the death of 37 suspected illegal miners in Minna, Niger State, following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Tinubu directed an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The President also held meetings in France, including engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré, whose business interests include Canal+, MultiChoice and Universal Music Group.

Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima has been representing Nigeria at some official engagements while Tinubu remains outside the country.

Shettima travelled to New York on September 20 to represent Nigeria at the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

The Vice President is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement at the gathering and participate in high-level diplomatic meetings on behalf of the country.

Global Mirror News gathered that Shettima’s absence from Nigeria has also coincided with the President’s extended stay abroad, with Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, continuing to represent the President at some official functions.

Tinubu’s absence has generated political reactions, particularly over his decision not to personally attend the 81st UN General Assembly.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had questioned the situation and raised constitutional issues concerning the transfer of presidential powers when the President is away from the country for an extended period.

Atiku referred to Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, which provides for a President proceeding on vacation to transmit a written declaration to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The provision states that, in such circumstances, the Vice President shall perform the functions of the President as Acting President until the President transmits another declaration that he has resumed his functions.

However, the Presidency has rejected concerns that Tinubu’s absence has created a leadership vacuum, insisting that the President remains fully engaged with affairs of state.

The Presidency also defended Nigeria’s representation at the United Nations, stressing that Shettima is attending the UN General Assembly on the President’s behalf.

Global Mirror News reports that the President’s extended European stay is taking place amid several important political and administrative developments in Nigeria, including preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Presidency has also disclosed that political consultations are continuing across the country, with Senator Abubakar Yari, Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, involved in engagements with traditional rulers and political stakeholders.

Although Tinubu’s exact arrival time has not been announced, the Presidency has confirmed that he is expected back in Nigeria this weekend.

His return will bring to an end his extended working vacation, which began with his departure for London on August 30 and later took him to France.