President Bola Tinubu’s extended working vacation in Europe prompts criticism from Atiku Abubakar’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu. Shaibu says Tinubu is a “failure” and challenges the justification that the president can work from anywhere due to technology.
The outlets report Shaibu’s reaction to comments by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who said the president remains hale and hearty while abroad. According to the reports, Tinubu departs Abuja on August 30, 2026, for a three-week working vacation in Europe, later traveling from London to Paris and extending his stay. His scheduled return from Paris is initially set for September 29, with the presidency later confirming a last-minute adjustment to Tuesday rather than the weekend.
Shaibu argues that the location of Tinubu’s work is less important than measurable outcomes for Nigerians. He questions what Tinubu’s time abroad changes, citing continued costs for items such as food, fuel, and transport and accusing the administration of damaging affordability. The reports frame Shaibu’s remarks as a political response that urges Tinubu to leave the stage and suggests Atiku would provide relief.
