Tinubu begins three-week annual leave, heads to Europe
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Abuja for Europe to begin a three-week vacation as part of his annual leave, with London, United Kingdom, as his first destination.
The development was announced on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.
According to the statement, Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria after the working vacation to participate in preparations for the January 2027 general elections.
London first stop
The Presidency did not provide details of the President’s complete itinerary or disclose the other European countries he may visit during the three-week period.
Onanuga, however, confirmed that London would be the first stop on the trip.
The Presidency described the period as a vacation, with Tinubu expected to return to Nigeria after the break and resume activities ahead of the 2027 election campaign.
The January 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, while political activities have already intensified following the commencement of the official campaign period.
Tinubu, who is seeking a second term on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, is expected to return to the country as parties step up their campaigns and mobilisation efforts.
Vacation comes amid busy political season
The President’s three-week absence comes at a politically significant period, with the 2027 election cycle already underway.
The Independent National Electoral Commission opened the campaign period for the presidential and National Assembly elections on August 19, giving political parties and candidates the opportunity to commence formal campaign activities.
Tinubu’s return is therefore expected to coincide with a more intense phase of electioneering as the APC works to consolidate its position ahead of the polls.
The President has repeatedly defended the economic reforms introduced by his administration, including the removal of the petrol subsidy and changes to the foreign-exchange regime, arguing that the measures are necessary to stabilise Nigeria’s economy and create the foundation for longer-term growth.
However, the impact of those reforms, particularly the pressure on household incomes and the cost of living, is expected to remain a major issue during the election campaign.
Follows Vice President’s recent leave
Tinubu’s vacation comes shortly after Vice President Kashim Shettima completed a 12-day leave.
Shettima commenced his break on August 6 and resumed official duties on August 18. The Presidency said the leave was intended to provide time for study, reflection and intellectual renewal as the Vice President reviewed government initiatives under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Shettima subsequently represented Tinubu at an African Union meeting in Angola, having travelled there on the President’s behalf.
Presidency provides no details on power transfer
The announcement of Tinubu’s three-week absence has also drawn attention to whether there will be a formal transfer of presidential powers to the Vice President.
As of the announcement, the Presidency had not stated that Tinubu had formally transferred power to Shettima.
Under Nigeria’s constitutional framework, a President travelling outside the country for an extended period can formally notify the National Assembly of a temporary transfer of functions to the Vice President.
Premium Times reported that the Presidency did not address whether such a transfer would occur in this instance. Shettima was in Angola representing Tinubu at an African Union summit and was expected back in Nigeria later in the week.
Return expected ahead of 2027 campaign
The Presidency said Tinubu would return home after the working vacation to join what Onanuga described as the hectic campaign for the January 2027 election.
The President’s return is expected to mark a resumption of his political activities as the ruling APC and opposition parties intensify their mobilisation across the country.
Tinubu’s latest trip is also part of a pattern of annual breaks taken by the President since assuming office in 2023, although the length and nature of his previous trips have varied.
For now, the Presidency has provided limited information about the President’s schedule during the three-week period beyond confirming London as his first destination.
Tinubu is expected back in Nigeria at the conclusion of the leave, with the 2027 presidential election campaign set to become an increasingly dominant feature of the country’s political landscape.
