President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has delayed his return to Nigeria following a last-minute adjustment to his travel itinerary.
The president, who was initially expected back in the country this weekend, is now likely to return on Tuesday, according to revised plans. The reason for the change has not been disclosed as of Sunday morning.
Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for London to begin what the presidency described as a three-week working vacation. After spending about a week in the United Kingdom, he proceeded to Paris, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.
On September 21, the presidency announced an extension of his stay abroad, noting that Tinubu remained in close contact with officials at home and continued to direct government affairs remotely. In his absence, Vice-President Kashim Shettima has represented Nigeria at several official functions, including the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The president was expected to arrive in Lagos before heading to Abuja, but the latest adjustment has fueled debate over the length of his absence. Opposition figures have raised constitutional questions, arguing that presidential powers should have been formally transferred to the vice-president after 21 days, in line with Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, however, dismissed concerns last week, insisting that “there is no vacancy in Aso Rock” and affirming that Tinubu remains firmly in charge of the nation’s affairs despite his extended stay abroad.
