President Tinubu Departs Abuja for UK Vacation, Amidst Speculations Over Health

The trip comes on the heels of Tinubu’s recent official visit to China and a brief stay in the UK.

Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to depart Abuja today for a two-week vacation in the United Kingdom, only weeks after returning from a previous visit to London.

This was disclosed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in an official statement on Wednesday.

Onanuga described the President’s leave as a “working vacation and a retreat to reflect on his administration’s economic reforms.” He emphasized that President Tinubu would continue his duties during the vacation and return to the country after the two-week period.

The trip comes on the heels of Tinubu’s recent official visit to China and a brief stay in the UK. The President left Abuja on August 29, making a brief stop in Dubai before arriving in Beijing on September 1 for the state visit. After his engagements in China, Tinubu proceeded to the UK for a short stay and returned to Nigeria on September 15.

However, during his time in London, a video emerged showing the President leaving St. Mary’s Hospital, accompanied by aides and medical personnel, which ignited speculation that he was there for emergency medical treatment. Critics, including activist Mahdi Shehu, accused the President of concealing the visit, calling his actions “deceptive.”

“Tinubu lied. His picture with King Charles was shared to deceive people. He was at St. Mary’s emergency treatment center in London for emergency medical care. No matter the hide and seek, what is destined will happen, willy-nilly,” Shehu remarked.

Despite these speculations, the Royal Family confirmed Tinubu’s earlier meeting with King Charles. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Royal Family shared an image of the Nigerian President with King Charles, stating, “Yesterday, The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria visited His Majesty at Buckingham Palace.”

The President’s recent travels and the controversy surrounding his health have raised concerns among Nigerians, with many questioning his administration’s transparency and commitment to addressing domestic issues. Critics argue that Tinubu’s frequent trips abroad come at a high cost to the nation and suggest that his presidency appears disconnected from the struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians.

President Tinubu is expected to return to the country once his leave expires, according to Onanuga’s statement.