Tinubu Delays Return to Nigeria Again After Last-Minute Travel Change
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's return to Nigeria has been delayed until Tuesday, sparking renewed debate over the length of his extended working vacation abroad. Opposition figures cite constitutional concerns, while the Senate President assures the nation of Tinubu's continued leadership.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has postponed his return to Nigeria following a last-minute change to his travel itinerary, with presidency sources now saying he is expected to arrive in Lagos on Tuesday, September 29. Tinubu had initially been expected back in the country over the weekend after the Presidency announced on September 21 that he had extended his stay abroad by a few days. The reason for the latest adjustment had not been disclosed as of Sunday morning.
Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for London, where the Presidency described his trip as a three-week working vacation, before travelling to Paris after about a week in the United Kingdom. In France, he met French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré, while the Presidency has maintained that he remained in contact with officials in Nigeria and continued directing government affairs from abroad.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented Tinubu at several official functions before travelling to New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where he delivered Nigeria’s national statement on the President’s behalf.
The prolonged absence has also revived debate over Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, with opposition figures and some lawyers questioning whether presidential functions should have been formally transferred to Shettima after the initial 21-day period.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has argued that the Constitution requires a written declaration transmitting presidential authority, while the Presidency has maintained that Tinubu remains in charge of government. Senate President Godswill Akpabio has also said there is “no vacancy in Aso Rock,” as the President’s expected Tuesday return would bring his European stay to roughly four weeks.