President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after spending nearly four weeks in Europe, bringing to a close a trip that attracted public attention and sparked debate over constitutional provisions relating to presidential absence.
Tinubu arrived in Lagos on Tuesday, September 29, from Paris, France, where he spent the latter part of his trip. The Presidency had earlier announced that the President would embark on a three-week working vacation, but his stay abroad was later extended by several days.
Shortly after his arrival, Tinubu dismissed concerns about his health, saying he was “healthy, sound, and ready to go.”
The President also described his time in Europe as enjoyable and expressed readiness to resume official duties.
Presidency Defends Trip
Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30, initially travelling to London before moving to Paris for a series of official and business engagements.
According to the Presidency, the President remained fully involved in governance during his stay abroad, maintaining communication with top government officials and continuing to perform his constitutional responsibilities.
Despite these assurances, questions emerged over whether the constitutional process outlined in Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution was followed during the President’s absence.
Former Minister of Youth and Sports Solomon Dalung was among those who raised concerns, arguing that the Constitution does not expressly recognise the term “working vacation” and questioning whether power should have been formally transmitted to Vice President Kashim Shettima.
AAC Seeks Court Interpretation
The controversy has since moved to the courts following a suit filed by the African Action Congress (AAC) at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The party is asking the court to interpret Section 145 and determine whether the President was required to notify the National Assembly in writing before embarking on vacation.
The suit also seeks clarification on constitutional provisions relating to presidential absence extending beyond 21 days.
Among those listed as defendants are Tinubu, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and the National Assembly.
At the time of filing, no date had been fixed for the hearing.
Focus Returns to Governance
During the trip, Tinubu held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and several business leaders. He also witnessed the signing of agreements involving the Ogun State Government and global logistics company DP World.
The President’s return is expected to shift attention back to domestic governance and activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, while legal and political discussions over his prolonged absence continue.
