The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticized President Bola Tinubu for what it describes as an “alarming frequency” of foreign trips, warning that his continued absence comes at a time when Nigeria urgently needs strong leadership at home.
In a statement posted on X and signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC highlighted that Tinubu’s latest scheduled trip covering Japan, Brazil, and a stopover in Dubai would mark his 40th international visit since taking office, accounting for nearly 181 days abroad in his 26 months in power.
“This amounts to almost 25% of his time as president spent outside the country,” the party noted, pointing out that Tinubu has visited only 13 out of Nigeria’s 36 states during the same period.
The ADC questioned the economic value of the trips, stating “despite the billions spent, these frequent travels have yielded no tangible economic benefits for the country.”
The statement further cited the worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and growing poverty as issues that require the president’s urgent attention at home.
“From Benue to Zamfara, citizens are being taxed by bandits, lives are being lost daily, and malnutrition among children is rising. Nigerians expect a president who is present both physically and in leadership,” the party stated.
The ADC also weighed in on recent speculation regarding the president’s health, noting his absence from public view since August 1 and arguing that the lack of transparency only fuels damaging rumors that could harm investor confidence and national stability.
“Assurances about the president working from undisclosed locations or brief appearances followed by more travel do little to ease public concern,” it said.
The party suggested that many of these trips could be avoided if ambassadors had been appointed to represent the country abroad.
“Had the president listened to our consistent call to appoint ambassadors, he wouldn’t need to personally attend every meeting,” the statement added.
Concluding, the ADC called for a shift in leadership priorities.
“Governance is not a part-time job. While millions suffer, Nigeria needs a president who is present, empathetic, and focused on solutions at home.”