President Bola Tinubu has departed Abuja for Europe to begin a three-week vacation as part of his annual leave, the Presidency has announced.
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.
Onanuga said Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria after the working vacation and resume his activities ahead of the January 2027 general elections.
The President’s departure comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 polls, with the official campaign period for the presidential and National Assembly elections already underway.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) opened the campaign period on August 19, allowing political parties and candidates to commence rallies and other campaign activities.
Tinubu, who is seeking a second term on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is expected to face a competitive contest involving prominent opposition figures.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar is contesting under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso are identified in the report as candidates of the New Democratic Congress (NDC).
Since the commencement of the 2027 campaign season, issues surrounding the removal of petrol subsidy, rising living costs and the impact of the Federal Government’s economic reforms have emerged as major areas of political debate.
Tinubu has continued to defend his administration’s economic policies, including the removal of petrol subsidy, arguing that the reforms are necessary to stabilise the economy and create a foundation for long-term growth.
The President’s vacation comes shortly after Vice-President Kashim Shettima also took a break from his official duties.
The Presidency had said Shettima’s leave was intended to provide an opportunity for “study, reflection and intellectual renewal” while reviewing initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Shettima has since resumed official engagements and on Saturday, August 29, travelled from Abuja to Luanda, Angola, to represent Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the African Union Assembly.
Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria at the end of his three-week vacation and continue his official and political engagements ahead of the 2027 elections.
