Fresh Update As Tinubu Delays Return To Nigeria, New Date Revealed

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly postponed his planned return to Nigeria, with the President now expected to arrive in the country on Tuesday following a last-minute adjustment to his travel plans.

According to Bush Radio Academy, sources familiar with the President’s itinerary disclosed that Tinubu’s return, which had initially been scheduled for Sunday, was moved after a change in his plans. TheCable also reported that sources within the presidency had earlier confirmed that the President was expected to return to Lagos before proceeding to Abuja at a later date.

Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for London as part of a three-week working vacation. He later travelled to Paris, France, where he held engagements, including a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.

The Presidency had announced on September 21 that Tinubu had extended his stay abroad by a few days and was expected to return to Nigeria over the weekend. It said the President had remained in contact with officials at home and continued to direct the affairs of government while away.

Vice President Kashim Shettima had represented the President at several official engagements during his absence. However, Shettima travelled to New York on September 20 to participate in the 81st United Nations General Assembly, while Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume continued to represent the President at some official events.

The latest reported adjustment to Tinubu’s travel plans comes after several weeks of his absence from Nigeria and has renewed public discussion about the length of his stay abroad and the constitutional arrangements surrounding the exercise of presidential functions during an extended absence.

Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution provides that when the President is proceeding on vacation or is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of office, he may transmit a written declaration to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, after which the Vice President performs the functions of the President in an acting capacity.

The Presidency has not indicated any change in Tinubu’s ability to continue directing government affairs while abroad, and the reported Tuesday return date remains subject to any further adjustment to his itinerary.