The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of running what it calls a “junket presidency,” criticising his frequent foreign trips and prolonged absences from Nigeria.
In a statement on Thursday, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the president has spent about 181 days abroad in the 26 months since taking office — nearly a quarter of his tenure — and is embarking on his 40th international trip, a record for any Nigerian or African leader in recent memory.
“This means that in just over two years, President Tinubu has spent the equivalent of almost six months outside the country,” Abdullahi said. “Worse still, there are no tangible economic or diplomatic results to show for these trips despite the billions of naira they cost.”
The ADC noted that while the president has visited more than 40 foreign destinations, he has so far set foot in only 13 of Nigeria’s 36 states.
The party described the trend as “disturbing,” especially amid rising insecurity, widespread poverty, and a worsening malnutrition crisis among children.
According to the ADC, Tinubu’s latest trip will take him to another round of foreign stops before visiting most Nigerian states. The party said this imbalance in priorities “fuels damaging rumours” and undermines the urgent need for consistent leadership at home.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Deserves Credit for Nigeria’s Economic Stability — Okonjo-Iweala
The statement called on the president to cut down on foreign travel, focus on domestic governance, and address the deepening economic and security challenges facing the nation.
The full statement read:
“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) wishes to once again draw the attention of all Nigerians to the alarming frequency with which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is absent from the country, at a time when leadership at home is needed more than ever.
Today, President Tinubu will depart Abuja for yet another foreign tour. By public records, this will be the President’s 40th foreign trip since assuming office, spending a cumulative total of around 181 days abroad, the equivalent of almost six full months. This means that in the 26 months he has been President, nearly 25% of his time has been spent outside the country.
During this trip, President Tinubu is on track to make his 41st international stop before setting foot in most Nigerian states. Since inauguration, President Tinubu has only visited 13 out of 36 States, but has visited more foreign countries during the same period.
This is not good. Moreso, considering that there are no real economic gains for the junkets despite the billions of Naira spent per day and per trip.”