President Bola Tinubu has left Abuja for Europe to begin a three-week vacation, the Presidency announced on Sunday.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said the trip is part of the president’s annual leave. London, United Kingdom, will be his first stop.
The statement did not say whether Vice President Kashim Shettima will assume duties in an acting capacity during the president’s absence. Under the constitution, such a transfer requires a formal letter from the president to the Senate President.
Shettima is currently in Angola representing Nigeria at an AU Extraordinary Summit. He is expected back in the country later this week.
This is the first time since taking office in May 2023 that Tinubu will be away for an extended period without a formal handover. Former President Muhammadu Buhari routinely transferred power to his deputy during long trips abroad. That practice was discontinued after then-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo dismissed SSS DG Lawal Daura while acting as president.
According to Onanuga, Tinubu is expected back after the “working vacation” and will immediately join preparations for the January 2027 election campaign.
The announcement comes as political activities begin to pick up ahead of the next general elections.
