Atiku criticizes Tinubu over three-week European vacation

Atiku Abubakar says President Bola Tinubu should be at home, not beginning a three-week European vacation, as Nigerians face rising prices, food hardship and persistent insecurity.

The former vice president and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate made the criticism in a statement posted on his verified X account. He said Nigeria was not facing a constitutional vacuum, but was experiencing what he called a “disturbing vacuum of political leadership.”

“

disturbing vacuum of political leadership

Tinubu left Abuja on Sunday for his annual leave, with London listed as his first destination. His special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the president would return and join the “hectic campaign” for the January 2027 general election. Vice President Kashim Shettima was also outside Nigeria on official duty when Tinubu departed.

“

Leadership is not merely the constitutional right to occupy an office; it is the judgment to know when your country needs you at home.

Atiku pointed to petrol prices, higher transport fares, food shortages and continuing insecurity as problems requiring the president’s attention. “Leadership is not merely the constitutional right to occupy an office; it is the judgment to know when your country needs you at home,” he said.

He said his objection was not to presidential vacations or foreign travel generally, noting that he had travelled and lived abroad himself. But he drew a distinction between private travel and the responsibilities of Nigeria’s sitting president. “A father may travel when all is well. But when his roof is burning and his family is trapped inside, he does not pick up his suitcase and head for the airport,” Atiku said.

“

A father may travel when all is well. But when his roof is burning and his family is trapped inside, he does not pick up his suitcase and head for the airport.