President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja for Europe to begin a three-week vacation as part of his annual leave.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President’s first destination is London, United Kingdom.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja today for Europe to begin a three-week vacation as part of his annual leave. His first stop will be London, United Kingdom,” Onanuga said.
Onanuga said that Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria after the working vacation to join preparations for the January 2027 election, in which he will seek a second term.
Onanuga did not disclose details of the president’s itinerary, including the European countries he would visit during the three-week period and the exact date of Tinubu’s return.
The president’s vacation comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, with the official campaign season for the January 16 presidential and National Assembly polls already underway.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially opened the campaign period on August 19, paving the way for political parties and their candidates to commence rallies and other campaign activities.
Tinubu, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is expected to face a competitive contest involving several prominent opposition figures.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is contesting under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso are the flagbearers of the New Democratic Congress (NDC).
Since the kick-off of the 2027 campaign, the fuel subsidy crisis and the rising cost of living and the impact of the Federal Government’s economic reforms have become the central battlegrounds defining the forthcoming election cycle.
Tinubu has consistently defended his administration’s policies, including the removal of the petrol subsidy, arguing that they are necessary to stabilise the economy and lay the foundation for long-term growth.
Vice President Kashim Shettima recently took a similar break, which was followed by the president’s vacation.
Shettima resumed official duties on August 18 after spending 12 days on an approved leave, which began on August 6.
The Presidency said the leave was intended to provide time for “study, reflection, and intellectual renewal” as he reviewed government initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Following his return, Shettima resumed his official engagements and, on Saturday, August 29, departed Abuja for Luanda, Angola, to represent President Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the African Union Assembly.
Tinubu is expected back in the country at the end of his three-week vacation.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
