President Bola Tinubu has left Abuja for Europe for a three-week working vacation, even as political parties step up activities ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The President’s first stop is London, United Kingdom, according to a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria after the break and join the campaign activities ahead of the January 2027 elections.
The vacation comes at a politically sensitive time, with the campaign season for the January 16 presidential and National Assembly elections already underway. The Independent National Electoral Commission opened the official campaign period on August 19, allowing parties and candidates to begin rallies and other election-related activities.
Tinubu, who is seeking another term under the All Progressives Congress, is expected to face a strong challenge from several opposition figures. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is contesting under the African Democratic Congress, while Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso are listed as flagbearers of the New Democratic Congress.
Economic issues are also shaping the early campaign battle. The removal of the petrol subsidy, rising living costs and the wider impact of the Federal Government’s economic reforms have emerged as major issues likely to influence voters.
Tinubu has repeatedly defended the reforms, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy, arguing that the policy is necessary to stabilise Nigeria’s economy and create the conditions for longer-term growth.
The President’s holiday follows a similar break taken by Vice President Kashim Shettima. Shettima spent 12 days on approved leave from August 6 before returning to official duties on August 18.
The Presidency said Shettima’s leave was intended to allow time for “study, reflection and intellectual renewal” while he reviewed initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He later travelled to Luanda, Angola, on August 29 to represent Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the African Union Assembly.
Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria after the three-week vacation, with attention likely to shift quickly back to the intensifying political contest ahead of the 2027 polls.
