President Bola Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria on Sunday after spending three weeks in Europe. According to sources familiar with his itinerary, the president will arrive in Lagos.
Tinubu left Nigeria for London on August 30 for his annual working vacation. He later travelled to Paris, France, after spending about a week in the United Kingdom. The Presidency also announced on September 21 that he had extended his stay abroad by a few days.
Tinubu’s long absence has triggered fresh political debate in Nigeria. Some political figures have questioned the implications of staying abroad for more than 21 days. They also raised concerns about the absence of a public transfer of presidential powers to Vice-President Kashim Shettima. However, the Presidency said Tinubu remained in touch with officials at home. It added that he continued to direct government affairs during his trip.
Meanwhile, Tinubu is expected to spend up to one week in Lagos after returning to Nigeria. Sources told TheCable that he will later travel to Abuja. His return comes as political activities around the 2027 general election begin to gain momentum. Political parties and politicians have already started making plans ahead of the election.
In another development, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has announced plans to lead campaign teams for Tinubu in 2027. Wike said he would personally head the campaign structure in both Abuja and Rivers State. He made the statement during an inspection of the Kuje-Gwagwalada road project in Abuja on Friday.
According to Wike, political parties are already reorganising for the next election. He also said Tinubu’s supporters across different political platforms have started preparing their campaign structures.
