PDP Faults Tinubu Over Extended Vacation and Absence From UNGA
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction has harshly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his extended vacation in Europe and absence from the UN General Assembly, deeming it an "unacceptable abdication" of his mandate. The party cited Nigeria's ongoing challenges with insecurity and economic woes as reasons why the President should not be on leave, urging citizens to remember this for future elections. They expected him to attend the UNGA to address national issues on a global stage.
The Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the extension of his working vacation in Europe and his absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the faction described the development as an “unacceptable abdication” of the presidential mandate, arguing that the President should be in Nigeria addressing what it described as worsening insecurity, economic difficulties and public hardship.
The PDP faction also questioned the Presidency’s explanation for Tinubu’s continued absence, saying Nigerians have the right to demand accountability from the President. Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for London to begin what the Presidency described as a working vacation before travelling to Paris, where he met French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.
The Presidency announced on September 21 that Tinubu had extended the vacation by a few days and was expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend, while Vice President Kashim Shettima travelled to New York to represent him at the UNGA and present Nigeria’s national statement.
The PDP faction, however, argued that Tinubu should have proceeded from Europe to the United States for the global gathering rather than extending his stay, saying the UNGA provides an opportunity to engage other world leaders on Nigeria’s challenges and seek international cooperation.
The opposition faction also criticised what it described as the Presidency’s response to Nigerians questioning Tinubu’s absence, insisting that citizens are entitled to scrutinise how the presidential mandate is being exercised. The Presidency maintains that Tinubu has remained in contact with Nigeria and continued directing government affairs while abroad, including ordering an independent investigation into the reported deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Minna, while delegating official representation to Shettima and other senior officials.
The PDP urged Nigerians to take note of the controversy as they assess political choices ahead of the 2027 presidential election, while its criticisms remain the party’s political position rather than an independently established finding about the President’s performance or constitutional responsibilities.