President Tinubu returns to Nigeria after France, UK visit

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria following a working visit to France and the United Kingdom that stirred debate over his absence amidst escalating insecurity at home.

The President touched down at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja late Monday night, April 21, where he was welcomed by top government officials. Among those present to receive him were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The announcement of his return was made by presidential aide Dada Olusegun in a post on his official X handle, confirming that the president had concluded his working engagements in Paris and London.

Tinubu had departed Nigeria on April 2 for what was officially described as a “short working visit” to France. According to presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the purpose of the trip was to review the achievements of his administration.

However, the president’s extended stay abroad came under heavy criticism from various quarters, particularly in light of renewed violent attacks in Plateau and Benue states that left scores dead and communities displaced.

Opposition leaders, including Labour Party’s Peter Obi and the Peoples Democratic Party’s Atiku Abubakar, voiced strong disapproval of Tinubu’s absence, accusing the president of neglecting his duties amid mounting security concerns.

In response, the presidency dismissed speculation that the president had travelled for medical reasons.

Presidential aide Daniel Bwala, speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, insisted that Tinubu was actively engaged in official duties while abroad.

“Sometimes on social media, somebody will be tweeting — you don’t even know who the person is; it can be somebody who has mental health issues somewhere,” Bwala said, downplaying the rumours.

“The president did not go to see a doctor; he’s on a working visit and we have been publishing his activities.”