President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commenced a three-week vacation in Europe as part of his annual leave, the Presidency has announced.
Tinubu departed Abuja on Sunday for Europe, with London, United Kingdom, reported as his first destination.
The development was disclosed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who said the President would spend the period on a working vacation.
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The vacation comes at a time when political activities and preparations for the 2027 general elections are gradually gathering momentum across the country.
According to the Presidency, Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria after the three-week break and participate in political and campaign activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
The President’s departure also comes amid a busy period for his administration, with attention focused on economic reforms, governance and preparations for the next election cycle.
However, the Presidency’s announcement did not immediately clarify whether Tinubu had formally transferred presidential powers to Vice-President Kashim Shettima during the period of his absence from the country.
Shettima is currently undertaking official engagements outside Nigeria, including representing the President at an African Union-related summit in Angola.
Under Nigeria’s constitutional framework, the President may transmit a written declaration to the National Assembly when proceeding on vacation or otherwise temporarily unable to discharge his functions, allowing the Vice-President to perform presidential functions in an acting capacity.
The absence of information on whether such a formal transfer of power had been made was therefore expected to attract public attention.
Tinubu’s three-week vacation also comes as political parties and politicians intensify consultations and preparations for the 2027 elections.
The President, who is seeking another term in office, is expected to resume his official and political engagements after the vacation.
The Presidency has not indicated any disruption to the functioning of government during the President’s absence, with the Federal Executive Council, ministries, departments and agencies expected to continue with their respective responsibilities.
Tinubu’s European trip is therefore expected to combine a period of personal rest with official and strategic engagements before his return to Nigeria.
The President assumed office on May 29, 2023, succeeding former President Muhammadu Buhari. His administration has since implemented major economic reforms, including the removal of the petrol subsidy and changes to the foreign-exchange regime, while facing public concerns over inflation, cost of living and economic hardship.
His return from the three-week vacation is expected to coincide with an increasingly active political environment as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.