ADC Chieftain Faults Tinubu’s Extended Stay Abroad

African Democratic Congress chieftain Ladan Salihu has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s extended stay in Europe, saying the President left Nigeria operating on “autopilot” while away from the country. Salihu, a former Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, made the remarks on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday. He said Tinubu’s absence from August 30 to September 29 demonstrated what he described as a disregard for Nigerians and the responsibilities of leadership.

The ADC figure linked the criticism to security problems reported during the President’s absence. He referred to the reported killing of 37 miners in Niger State and alleged killings and kidnappings in Zamfara State, saying a president focused on citizens’ welfare and security would have returned to address the situation. Salihu also criticised the lack of a direct public message from Tinubu during the period.

He said the President should have issued a video address from London or Paris to sympathise with Nigerians over deaths and insecurity. Salihu added that statements from presidential aides did not replace hearing directly from Tinubu. Tinubu left Abuja on August 30 for what the Presidency initially described as a three-week annual vacation, travelling first to London and later to Paris.

During the trip, he held a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron, met business leaders and witnessed the signing of a memorandum involving the Ogun State Government and DP World. The Presidency later said the President had extended his working vacation and remained in contact with officials. It also defended the decision for Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent Nigeria at the 81st United Nations General Assembly, saying Shettima had Tinubu’s full mandate.

Tinubu returned to Lagos from Paris on September 29. Speaking after his arrival, he said he had enjoyed the trip and rejected concerns about his health, saying he was healthy and ready to work. He is expected to participate in Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary activities in Lagos before returning to Abuja.