President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after spending several weeks on his annual working leave in the United Kingdom.

The aircraft carrying the president arrived at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Saturday evening. Presidential aide Dada Olusegun announced Tinubu’s arrival on social media, writing on X (formerly Twitter), “The eagle has landed. Welcome home, Mr. President.”

Tinubu was greeted by a delegation of government officials, including the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, among others.

 ‘Well-Rested, Ready to Go’

Gbajabiamila, speaking to reporters, emphasized that Tinubu’s return marks a continuation of the administration’s work. He noted that the president’s working holiday allowed him to rest and rejuvenate after a busy year and a half in office. “Now that he’s back, all hands are on deck, and he’s ready to go,” Gbajabiamila said, adding that Nigerians should expect to see the results of the administration’s efforts in the coming months.

Tinubu’s two-week working leave, which began on October 2, was part of his annual leave and provided time for reflection on the administration’s progress since he took office in May 2023.

Nigerians Express Concern

Despite Tinubu’s return, some Nigerians raised concerns about his absence from the country, especially after his Senior Special Assistant on Political Matters, Kabir Masari, revealed that Tinubu had traveled from the UK to France during the leave. The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, also left Nigeria on October 16 for a two-day visit to Sweden for bilateral discussions.

Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi criticized the simultaneous absence of both the president and vice president, saying it was worrisome given the nation’s ongoing challenges. Obi expressed his concerns on X, noting that while there may not be a formal leadership vacancy, the situation was troubling.

No Leadership Vacuum’

In response to the concerns, the presidency maintained that there was no leadership gap. Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga assured Nigerians that both Tinubu and Shettima remained actively engaged in national affairs, even while abroad. “There is no leadership vacuum in the country,” Onanuga affirmed.