Tinubu extends European vacation, to return Nigeria by weekend

President Bola Tinubu has extended his working vacation in Europe by several days and is expected to return to Nigeria over the weekend, the Presidency announced on Monday, September 21. Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for London before traveling to Paris, where he met French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré, whose media interests include Canal+, Multichoice, and Universal Music Group. The Presidency stated that despite his absence, Tinubu has remained engaged with domestic affairs, issuing directives including an order for an independent panel to investigate the deaths of 37 illegal miners in Minna following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

During Tinubu's absence, Vice President Kashim Shettima has represented him at official functions. On September 20, Shettima departed for New York to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where he is representing Nigeria and will present the country's national statement. Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume continues to represent the President at domestic official events in Shettima's absence.

The Presidency also addressed criticism of Tinubu's decision not to attend the UN General Assembly in person. In response to statements by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a U.S.-based lobbying firm questioning the President's absence, the Presidency described the criticism as "baseless insinuation" and "irresponsible." On the domestic political front, the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abubakar Yari, has been leading consultations with prominent traditional rulers across Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.