President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s announcement of a three-week working vacation in Europe has triggered mixed reactions from Nigerians, with opinions sharply divided over the trip.
According to a State House statement signed by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President departed Abuja for London on Saturday and is expected to return after the vacation to participate in preparations for the January 2027 election campaign.
The announcement quickly sparked debate on social media.
Some critics accused Tinubu of following the same pattern as former President Muhammadu Buhari by choosing Europe for vacations and medical related trips, arguing that Nigerian leaders continue to enjoy abroad, the services they urge citizens to trust at home.
Others described the decision as a reflection of poor confidence in Nigeria’s infrastructure.
Another group defended the President’s decision, insisting that leading a country of over 200 million people comes with immense pressure and that he deserves time to rest, reflect and return with renewed energy to continue governing.
Bayo mention in the official statement that Tinubu would resume activities related to the 2027 election upon his return also drew criticism, with some Nigerians arguing that politics appears to be taking priority over governance.
“The drug-related legal battle has gone beyond what he can control from Aso Rock.”
Buhari spent his holidays, vacations and medical trips in London. Buhari hated Nigeria so badly that even in death, London was the destination. 😂”
“Now Tinubu is faithfully following the same script: vacation? Europe. Medical treatment? Europe. France must be wondering if Nigeria has secretly relocated to Paris. 😂”
“Imagine Nigerian leaders constantly fleeing to Europe for the things Nigerians are told they can get at home, while European leaders aren’t exactly booking Abuja for their own holidays and medical care.”
“APC didn’t just promise to renew Nigeria. They renewed the tradition of Nigerian leaders enjoying abroad what they failed to build at home.”
APC is a curse to Nigeria!”
“He has worked, and he deserves to take a break.
Leading a country of over 200 million people is no small responsibility. The decisions, pressure and demands that come with leading Nigeria are enormous.”
“Even the President needs time to rest, reflect and recharge. A refreshed leader is better positioned to return with renewed energy and focus.
Enjoy your vacation, Mr President. Come back recharged—the work continues.
@officialABAT”
“Even the Europeans leaders don’t come to Nigerian for any vacation whatsoever.
A disgrace we have in Aso rock will rather go there.”
“All that matters to this drugee is politics. “Return home after the working vacation to join the hectic campaign for the January 2027 election” that’s all that matters to Bobi Chicago.
Nigerians we have a one major task to return this man permanently to Europe”
