The Presidency has broken its silence over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s whereabouts, dismissing concerns surrounding his prolonged stay outside Nigeria and assuring Nigerians that the President is “hale and hearty.”
The clarification came amid growing questions over Tinubu’s absence from the country and his extended working vacation in Europe.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, explained that Tinubu remains actively engaged in the affairs of government despite being outside the country.
According to the Presidency, the President does not necessarily have to be physically present in Abuja to perform his official responsibilities, as modern communication technology allows him to monitor developments and hold meetings remotely.
The Presidency also disclosed that Tinubu has continued his engagements with investors while in France, including discussions linked to major investment opportunities in Nigeria.
One of the projects highlighted was a proposed $7 billion deep-sea port project in Ogun Waterside, which the Presidency said Tinubu has been involved in facilitating.
Why Tinubu Stayed Back
The development followed an earlier announcement that Tinubu would extend his working vacation by a few days.
The President had initially embarked on a working vacation in Europe, but his return schedule was subsequently adjusted.
The Presidency has maintained that the President’s absence should not be interpreted as a disengagement from governance, stressing that he has continued to perform his constitutional responsibilities while abroad.
Why Tinubu Was Absent From UNGA
Tinubu’s absence from the ongoing United Nations General Assembly in New York also generated questions.
However, the Presidency explained that Vice President Kashim Shettima was delegated to represent Nigeria at the high-level gathering.
Shettima subsequently participated in several engagements on behalf of Nigeria during the UNGA period.
Opposition Demands Explanation
The clarification came after the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) demanded an explanation over Tinubu’s prolonged absence from the country.
The party had raised questions about the President’s whereabouts and the circumstances surrounding the extension of his stay abroad.
The Presidency, however, rejected any suggestion that Tinubu had abandoned his official responsibilities, insisting that he remains fully engaged in governance.
When Is Tinubu Returning?
The latest information from the Presidency indicates that Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, ahead of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1.
His expected return to Lagos will bring to an end the latest period of his working vacation abroad.
For now, the Presidency’s message is clear: Tinubu is alive, well and, according to his officials, continuing to discharge his presidential responsibilities despite his absence from Nigeria.
