- President Tinubu concluded a nearly three-week working visit to France, originally billed as a short stay focused on national reform strategies
- His extended absence drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, over worsening insecurity at home
- The presidency defended the trip, asserting Tinubu remained engaged with officials and issued security directives while abroad
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria today, 21 April, following a nearly three-week working visit to France, the Presidency has confirmed.
The announcement was made by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, who posted a brief update via his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, stating:
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will return home today.”
President Tinubu departed Nigeria on 2 April for what was described by the Presidency as a "short work visit" to Paris.
According to official sources, the visit was aimed at reviewing the progress of ongoing national reforms and formulating strategies ahead of the President's upcoming second anniversary in office.
However, the President’s extended absence has sparked a wave of criticism from opposition leaders and sections of the public, particularly in light of escalating insecurity in parts of the country.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar led the criticism, questioning the prolonged stay abroad amid deadly attacks in states such as Benue and Plateau.
His spokesperson, Paul Ibe, issued a scathing statement on 17 April, saying:
“While Tinubu dines under chandeliers in the land of good governance, the country he governs is spiralling into chaos. Plateau has turned into a killing field — over 100 lives lost in relentless attacks.”
Similarly, Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, called on the President to immediately return and take charge of the worsening security situation.
“In the two weeks you have been away, over 150 Nigerians have lost their lives to insecurity across Nigeria, especially in Plateau and Zamfara states,” Obi stated, urging President Tinubu to suspend his retreat abroad and prioritise the crisis at home.
In response, the Presidency has defended the trip, maintaining that President Tinubu has remained actively engaged with key government officials throughout his stay in France.
Officials insist he has been issuing directives to security agencies and monitoring developments closely.
Atiku urges Tinubu to prioritise unity, democracy over divisive policies
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to put Nigeria first and align its actions with its rhetoric, particularly in promoting national unity and strengthening the country’s democracy.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku expressed concerns about the growing divisions along ethnic, religious, and class lines since Tinubu took office.
