President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after a two-week working leave in the United Kingdom, landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Saturday evening.
Upon his arrival, Tinubu was greeted by top government officials, including the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila; and National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu.
Presidential aide Dada Olusegun shared the news of the president’s return on his X account, writing, “The eagle has landed. Welcome home, Mr President.”
Tinubu’s leave, which began on October 2, was described by the presidency as both a time for reflection and a continuation of his administrative work. The president was reported to have spent time in the UK before moving to France, as confirmed by his Senior Special Assistant on Political Matters, Kabir Masari, ten days into the leave.
However, concerns arose over the simultaneous absence of both the president and Vice President Kashim Shettima. Shettima had left for Sweden on a two-day official visit for bilateral engagements on October 16, prompting comments from political figures, including Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.
In a post on his X handle, Obi expressed concerns about the absence of the country’s top two leaders.
“While it is arguable that with the President and Vice President absent from the Villa, there is no vacancy in the presidency, in a situation where both the President and Vice President are out of the country… it’s concerning for a country with such myriads of domestic problems,” Obi stated.
In response to these concerns, the presidency assured Nigerians that there was no leadership vacuum.
“It is important to note that the President and Vice President are fully engaged with the nation’s affairs, even while they are away,” said Bayo Onanuga, a presidential aide. “There is no leadership vacuum in the country.”
President Tinubu’s return marks the end of his annual leave, during which he was reportedly reflecting on his administration’s progress since taking office in May 2023.