President Tinubu Returns to Nigeria After 18-Day France and UK Trip: Presidency Addresses Medical Rumors Amid Criticism

On the evening of April 21, 2025, President Bola Tinubu touched down at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, marking the end of an 18-day trip that took him to France and the United Kingdom.

The Nigerian leader, who departed the country on April 2, was received by officials of his administration upon his arrival, as reported by Channels Television. However, the extended absence of the president sparked widespread debate among Nigerians, with opinions sharply divided over the purpose and timing of his travel.

The presidency had described Tinubu’s journey as a “working visit and retreat,” but this explanation did little to quell public skepticism.

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Many Nigerians criticized the trip, questioning why the president was abroad for nearly three weeks at a time when the country faces pressing economic and security challenges.

Some citizens took to social media to voice their frustration, with one X user sarcastically referring to the trip as “remote shege” and suggesting it contributed to “renewed hopelessness” in Nigeria. Others speculated that the trip was a cover for medical checkups, a rumor the presidency was quick to dismiss. In a statement, officials clarified that Tinubu was not in France to see doctors, emphasizing that the visit was for official purposes.Despite the presidency’s defense, the narrative around Tinubu’s health remains a point of contention. Critics point out that the president did not hand over power to Vice President Shettima during his absence, a move some argue undermines governance protocols. Posts on X highlighted this concern, with one user noting that the 21-day trip (though reports confirm it was 18 days) occurred “without handing over to VP Shettima.” This raises questions about transparency and accountability, especially given Nigeria’s history of leaders traveling abroad for medical reasons without clear communication to the public.On the other hand, the presidency’s insistence that the trip was a working visit suggests there may have been diplomatic or strategic engagements in France and the UK.

While specific details of Tinubu’s activities abroad remain scarce, it’s worth considering the broader context. France and the UK are key players in global politics and trade, and Nigeria has ongoing partnerships with both nations in areas like security, energy, and education.

Could Tinubu’s trip have been aimed at strengthening these ties, perhaps to address Nigeria’s economic struggles or secure support for counter-terrorism efforts? Without official statements detailing his itinerary, the public is left to speculate—an all-too-familiar scenario in Nigerian politics.Public sentiment, as reflected on X, underscores a deeper frustration with leadership. The lack of clarity about Tinubu’s trip, combined with his administration’s challenges in addressing inflation, unemployment, and insecurity, has fueled discontent. Some Nigerians view the president’s absence as a symbol of detachment from the everyday struggles of citizens.

Yet, it’s also possible that Tinubu’s engagements abroad could yield long-term benefits for Nigeria, benefits that may not be immediately visible or appreciated amidst the current climate of distrust.As Tinubu resumes his duties in Abuja, the focus now shifts to how his administration will address the mounting concerns of Nigerians.

Will there be a detailed account of his trip’s outcomes, or will this remain another chapter of opacity in Nigerian governance? For now, the president’s return has done little to silence his critics, and the debate over his 18-day absence is likely to linger in the public discourse. Sources: Channels Television.