Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) chair Hakeem Baba-Ahmed says Nigeria may be governed “remotely” while President Bola Tinubu remains abroad. He made the comments as Tinubu extends his vacation in Europe and is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend. Baba-Ahmed argues that Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima are absent from Nigeria at a time when the country wants a change of leadership.

The outlets report that Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for London and later moved to Paris, where he met French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré. Despite extending his working leave by a few days, he continues to engage with officials and direct government affairs while abroad. They also note that Shettima leaves Nigeria for New York for the ongoing 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Daniel Bwala, Tinubu’s special adviser on policy communication, responds to the criticism by stating that the president can govern from anywhere in the world, offering a different view from Baba-Ahmed on whether the arrangement amounts to “remote” governance.