Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu following his departure for a three-week European vacation, calling the timing unacceptable given Nigeria's deepening economic distress and security challenges.
The presidency announced through Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga that President Tinubu departed Abuja on Sunday for London, United Kingdom, to begin his annual leave. The administration noted that the President would use the working vacation to prepare for demanding political activities ahead of the January 2027 general elections.
In a statement posted across his official social media accounts, Atiku argued that while there is no formal constitutional vacuum, Nigeria is suffering from a severe "vacuum of political leadership". He expressed particular concern that the President chose to travel at a time when Vice President Kashim Shettima was also out of the country on official duties.
Atiku highlighted the daily hardships faced by citizens, citing soaring fuel costs, high food inflation, expensive transportation, and widespread security concerns across the country. He noted that while private citizens have every right to travel abroad, a sitting president carries a higher duty to remain present during times of national crisis.
Drawing an analogy of a family in crisis, the former vice president stated that a leader does not leave his household while problems persist, asserting that a government disconnected from the pain of its citizens will fail to solve their problems. Looking ahead to the 2027 presidential election, Atiku pledged to reverse the current economic situation, stating that while the current administration had made living expensive, he would focus on restoring affordability.
Responding to the criticism, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications Sunday Dare defended the vacation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. Dare explained that the three-week break was necessary to allow President Tinubu to "refuel" after six to seven months of continuous governance and decision-making on critical economic and security issues. He assured the public that the President would remain actively briefed by ministers and security chiefs on key state matters throughout his stay in Europe.
