The decision of President Bola Tinubu to spend three weeks on vacation in Europe has triggered fresh political criticism, with ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar questioning the timing of the trip.
Atiku said on Sunday that although the President’s absence did not amount to a constitutional crisis, Nigerians were currently facing circumstances that demanded visible and decisive leadership.
He pointed to the increasing cost of living, food insecurity, expensive transportation and continuing security concerns as some of the major problems confronting citizens.
Describing the situation as a “disturbing vacuum of political leadership,” the former vice president argued that the country needed the full attention of its leadership during challenging periods.
Atiku also defended his own record of travelling abroad, saying there was a fundamental distinction between the movements of a private individual and those of a sitting President responsible for the affairs of more than 200 million Nigerians.
He noted that many households were finding it increasingly difficult to afford basic necessities, while high transport costs have made even ordinary journeys expensive for many families.
According to him, the government must demonstrate leadership by directly confronting the economic and security pressures affecting Nigerians.
The development adds another layer to the growing political contest ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with Atiku and other opposition figures stepping up criticism of the Tinubu administration.
Meanwhile, the Presidency has maintained that Tinubu’s three-week leave is part of his annual vacation. Presidential officials have said the President has spent several months dealing with major national issues and deserves time to rest before the next phase of demanding political activities.
Tinubu is expected to remain in touch with government affairs during his time abroad, while his administration continues to implement its policies at home.
The controversy over the vacation is likely to remain part of the wider political debate as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 elections.
