Tinubu Returns to Nigeria After Four Weeks in Europe

LAGOS — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after spending about four weeks in Europe on what the Presidency described as a working vacation.

Tinubu left Abuja on August 30, 2026, initially for a three-week annual leave. He spent his first week in London before travelling to Paris, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and business leaders.

The Presidency later announced that the President had extended his stay by several days. He departed Paris for Nigeria on Tuesday, September 29, with his aircraft expected to arrive in Lagos.

Why Lagos?

The President is expected to remain in Lagos around the October 1 Independence Day celebrations.

He is also scheduled to attend the premiere of a documentary on the late MKO Abiola at the National Theatre and hold official meetings before returning to Abuja next weekend.

During his absence, Vice President Kashim Shettima represented him at some official engagements, including the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The Presidency has maintained that Tinubu remained in contact with officials and continued directing government business while abroad.

Absence sparks political and constitutional debate

The President’s four-week absence has generated political debate, particularly over whether the constitutional procedure for presidential absence was followed.

Some constitutional lawyers have raised questions about Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, which deals with a President proceeding on vacation or being unable to perform his functions.

However, whether the required constitutional procedure was followed is a matter that should be established from the relevant official records rather than assumed.

MONAFRIKA POLITICS WATCH

Tinubu’s return comes as Nigeria prepares to mark 66 years of independence and enters a politically important period ahead of the 2027 elections.

The focus now shifts back to domestic issues, including the economy, security, cost of living and the government’s preparations for the next phase of its agenda.