Former Kogi West Senator and African Democratic Congress chieftain Dino Melaye has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his decision to embark on a three-week vacation in Europe.
Melaye questioned the timing and length of the President’s absence from Nigeria, saying it was unusual for a Nigerian president to leave the country for such an extended period at a time when political activities ahead of the 2027 elections are intensifying.
President Tinubu departed Abuja on Sunday for Europe as part of his 2026 annual leave. According to his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President’s first destination is London, United Kingdom.
The Presidency said Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria after the vacation and resume preparations for the campaign ahead of the January 2027 general elections.
Reacting to the development in a post on X, Melaye mocked the President over the length of the trip and made a remark about his age.
“Which President will leave his country for 3 weeks? Only Tinubu. Oga, dem no dey treat old age. You can only manage it. Agbalagbi,” Melaye wrote.
Melaye’s comments came amid renewed political arguments over Tinubu’s age and health as opposition politicians intensify their criticism of the President ahead of the 2027 election.
The ADC chieftain’s remarks also followed claims by ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar concerning Tinubu’s age, claims that have become part of the increasingly heated political debate surrounding the upcoming election.
The Presidency, however, has described Tinubu’s trip as a working vacation rather than a complete withdrawal from official responsibilities.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, said Tinubu would remain engaged with government business while abroad.
According to Dare, the President would receive regular briefings from ministers, service chiefs and other government officials handling critical national matters during the three-week period.
Dare explained that Tinubu had spent several months dealing with issues including the economy and national security and needed the break to “refuel” ahead of the intense political activities expected over the coming months.
The President’s vacation has nevertheless attracted criticism from opposition figures.
Atiku also criticised the decision, arguing that Tinubu’s absence at the same time that Vice President Kashim Shettima was travelling abroad created what he described as a disturbing vacuum of political leadership.
Shettima had recently returned from a 12-day approved leave before travelling to Luanda, Angola, to represent Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the African Union Assembly.
Supporters of the President have defended the vacation, arguing that the Nigerian presidency is a demanding responsibility and that a period of rest is necessary for effective leadership.
The Presidency has also emphasised that governance will continue during Tinubu’s absence, with ministers and other senior officials handling day-to-day responsibilities while maintaining communication with him.
The controversy over the vacation comes as political parties begin preparations for the 2027 presidential contest, with Tinubu seeking another term on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
Melaye’s comments are therefore likely to add to the growing political debate over Tinubu’s leadership, age, health and readiness for another presidential campaign.
The President is expected to return to Nigeria at the end of his three-week working vacation and join the campaign activities ahead of the January 2027 elections.
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