Nigerian President Bola Tinubu departed Abuja on Sunday for a three-week vacation in Europe, the presidency said, in a break officials described as a chance to rest before an anticipated “hectic” campaign season for the January 2027 election.
Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser on information and strategy, said in a statement that Tinubu’s first destination would be London, though the presidency did not disclose further details of his itinerary or other European stops.
Reason for the trip
Sunday Dare, the president’s special adviser on media and public communications, told reporters the vacation was intended to let Tinubu “refuel” after six to seven months of intense engagement on state matters, including security and economic decisions. He said the president would remain engaged with government business during the trip, receiving regular briefings from ministers and service chiefs.
Onanuga said Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria immediately after the break to join campaign activities ahead of the January 2027 general election.
Timing draws attention
The trip comes shortly after Nigeria’s electoral commission opened the formal campaign period for the presidential and National Assembly elections, and follows a separate 12-day leave taken by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who returned to official duties on August 18.
According to local media, this marks at least Tinubu’s fifth officially disclosed annual leave since taking office in May 2023, with London and Paris being frequent stops on his previous trips abroad.
