Atiku Faults Tinubu Over Three-Week Europe Vacation

Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu for leaving Nigeria on a three-week vacation to Europe amid what he described as worsening economic hardship and insecurity.

Tinubu departed Abuja on Sunday, August 30, for his annual leave, with London, United Kingdom, as his first destination. According to the Presidency, the trip is expected to last three weeks, after which the President will return to Nigeria to participate in preparations for the 2027 general election.

Reacting to the development, Atiku argued that the timing of the President’s trip was inappropriate given the challenges facing Nigerians. He likened the situation to a father leaving his family while their home is on fire, questioning the absence of presidential leadership at a critical moment.

Atiku’s criticism comes against the backdrop of renewed security concerns, including the recent mass abduction in Niger State, where hundreds of people were reportedly kidnapped from a mosque. President Tinubu had ordered security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and apprehend the attackers.

The ADC presidential hopeful also faulted the administration over rising living costs and fuel prices, arguing that Nigerians continue to bear the consequences of the government’s economic policies.

The Presidency, however, has maintained that Tinubu’s European trip is an annual working vacation and that he is expected back in the country ahead of the 2027 political campaign season.