Concerns are mounting over President Bola Tinubu’s recent absence from public view, with activist and former African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore alleging that Nigeria is effectively “without a president.”
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Sowore questioned the president’s whereabouts, suggesting that Tinubu has been largely absent from public activities for an extended period.
“Nigeria without a President! Where is Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT these days? He appears to have vanished entirely from public view!” Sowore tweeted, highlighting the timing amid the country’s economic challenges, security concerns, and widespread public discontent.
As of this report, the Presidency has not directly responded to Sowore’s claims. Government officials have previously insisted that President Tinubu continues to carry out his duties, including meetings, briefings, and other official engagements that are not always publicized.
Opposition figures and civil society groups have joined calls for greater transparency, urging the government to provide clear information on the president’s health, location, and active role in governance.
The scrutiny comes amid ongoing economic reforms, rising living costs, and nationwide protests. A recent review of Nigeria’s 2026 budget by SaharaReporters shows that N6.1 billion is allocated for President Tinubu’s international travels, with an additional N873 million earmarked for domestic trips. Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected to spend N1.3 billion on foreign travel, bringing the combined total for the executive’s international trips in 2026 to N7.4 billion.
President Tinubu departed Lagos for Europe last Sunday to continue his end-of-year break, ahead of an official trip to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, confirmed that Tinubu was invited by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to participate in the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit (ADSW 2026). The summit is an annual event bringing together leaders from government, business, and civil society to shape the next era of sustainable development. The President is expected to return to Nigeria following the weeklong summit.
Further budget details indicate that N375 million has been set aside for foodstuffs and catering supplies for the fiscal year.