TINUBU RETURNS AFTER FOUR-WEEK STAY ABROAD

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after an extended working vacation in Europe that drew public and political attention because it coincided with the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Tinubu left Abuja on August 30, 2026, initially for a three-week annual vacation. He first travelled to London, where he spent about one week, before continuing to Paris, France. The Presidency later announced that the trip had been extended by several days. He finally departed Paris on September 29 and arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 6:22 p.m. that evening.

Based on the publicly announced itinerary, Tinubu spent approximately 23 days in France, from around September 6 until September 29, after his week in the United Kingdom. Some reports have described the entire European stay as four weeks or about 30 days, reflecting the full period from his departure from Nigeria to his return.

His absence was particularly noticeable at the UNGA, where Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria. Shettima delivered Nigeria’s national statement and participated in high-level engagements in New York. The Federal Government said Shettima was carrying the President’s full mandate and that Nigeria was fully represented at the international gathering.

The extended stay also triggered debate over Section 145 of the Nigerian Constitution. The provision states that when the President proceeds on vacation or is otherwise unable to discharge his functions, he shall transmit a written declaration to the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives. Section 145(2) provides that if the President fails to transmit such a declaration within 21 days, the National Assembly may, by simple majority in each chamber, mandate the Vice President to perform the President’s functions as Acting President.

Legal interpretations of the provision have differed. Some constitutional lawyers cited by Premium Times argued that the written declaration is required immediately when the President proceeds on vacation, while another interpretation holds that the 21-day provision becomes relevant if the President remains unable or fails to make the declaration within that period. The Presidency has maintained that Tinubu did not breach the law and continued directing government affairs while abroad.

After returning to Lagos, Tinubu addressed questions from journalists and said he had enjoyed the vacation and was healthy, sound and ready to work. He also said rumours would always arise from politics but maintained that he was back and prepared to resume his duties.

The Presidency said Tinubu’s return would include strategic meetings with political leaders and associates in Lagos as preparations continue for the 2027 elections. It also said he would attend Independence Day activities, including a film premiere honouring the late MKO Abiola, before returning to Abuja.

Tinubu’s absence from UNGA, his extended European stay and the constitutional questions surrounding presidential absence are therefore likely to remain subjects of public discussion, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 election period.

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