TINUBU’S RETURN TO NIGERIA POSTPONED AFTER LAST-MINUTE CHANGE

Read Time:1 Minute, 59 Second

By: Fasasi Hammad

President Bola Tinubu has postponed his return to Nigeria following a last-minute change to his travel plans, with his arrival now expected on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, according to sources familiar with his itinerary.

Tinubu was initially expected to return to the country this weekend after spending several weeks in Europe on what the Presidency described as a working vacation.

Sources had earlier indicated that the President would arrive in Lagos, where he was expected to remain for up to a week before proceeding to Abuja. However, the itinerary has now been revised.

The reason for the latest change in his travel plans was not immediately disclosed.

Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for London, where he began a three-week working vacation as part of his annual leave. After spending about a week in the United Kingdom, he travelled to Paris, France.

During his stay in Paris, the President held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.

On September 21, the Presidency announced that Tinubu had extended his stay abroad by a few days and would return to Nigeria at the weekend.

The Presidency said the President had remained in contact with officials at home and continued to direct government affairs while abroad. Vice-President Kashim Shettima had also represented him at some official functions during his absence.

Shettima, however, travelled to New York on September 20 to represent Nigeria at the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

The latest adjustment to Tinubu’s return plans comes amid public debate over the length of his absence from the country and the constitutional provisions concerning the transfer of presidential powers.

Some opposition figures have questioned whether presidential powers should have been formally transferred to Shettima after 21 days.

Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution provides for the President to transmit a written declaration to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives when proceeding on vacation, after which the Vice-President performs the functions of the President in an acting capacity.

The issue has generated differing political and legal views. Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said there is no vacancy in Aso Rock, maintaining that Tinubu remains in charge of the country’s affairs despite his absence from Nigeria.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that Tinubu is expected to return through Lagos on Tuesday, September 29.