Atiku, however, stressed that his criticism was not aimed at suggesting a president should never take time off, but rather focused on what he described as the severity of Nigeria’s current challenges.
By Kehinde Okeowo
African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his decision to embark on a three-week vacation in Europe at a critical time for the country.
He faulted the decision on Sunday via a statement released after the trip was made public by the presidency.
Earlier, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had announced that President Tinubu would leave Nigeria on Sunday for Europe to begin a three-week annual leave.
According to a statement released by the media aide, the President would first stop over in London before proceeding to other parts of Europe.
He said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja today for Europe to begin a three-week vacation as part of his annual leave. His first stop will be London, United Kingdom.”
Onanuga added that the President is expected to return to the country immediately after his vacation to join what he described as the “hectic campaign” for the January 2027 general election.
Reacting to the statement, Atiku argued that Tinubu’s absence from the country at a time of widespread hardship reflected a “disturbing vacuum of political leadership”.
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He went on to say that although there was no constitutional vacuum, the circumstances surrounding Tinubu’s trip raised questions about his leadership priorities.
“Nigeria is burning. Nigeria may not be facing a constitutional vacuum today, but there is a disturbing vacuum of political leadership,” Atiku added.
He also contrasted Tinubu’s trip with his own travels, noting that the responsibilities of a sitting president were different from those of a private citizen.
“I have travelled, lived and spent time abroad, and I have never pretended otherwise. But there is a fundamental difference between the travels of a private citizen and the responsibility of the sitting President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he added.
The former vice-president listed rising living costs, food insecurity, high transport fares, and insecurity among the challenges confronting Nigerians.
He argued that the situation required the President’s presence in the country.
“Consider what Bola Tinubu is leaving behind. Petrol priced beyond the reach of ordinary people. Families rationing food. Transport fares that have turned a journey to one’s own village into a luxury. Insecurity that buries Nigerians week after week,” he said.
The ADC chieftain proceeded to argue that a leader should remain with his people during a crisis rather than leave the country.
“A father may travel when all is well. But when his roof is burning and his family is trapped inside, he does not pick up his suitcase and head for the airport,” he said.
