President Bola Tinubu is under intense criticism from opposition parties over his latest international trip, marking his 15th in 2025 alone.
The Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party, New Nigerian People’s Party, and the Coalition for United Political Parties have accused the president of being disconnected from the harsh realities facing Nigerians, especially in the healthcare sector.
On Thursday, the presidency confirmed Tinubu’s departure for a 10-day working vacation split between France and the UK.
Since assuming office in May 2023, the president has made at least 43 international trips. His current journey follows recent visits to Japan and Brazil and adds to a growing list that includes stops in the UAE, Tanzania, Ethiopia, the Vatican, and Saint Lucia, among others.
Critics argue that Tinubu’s frequent travels reflect both a lack of confidence in Nigeria’s healthcare system and a disregard for the economic hardships plaguing citizens.
PDP Deputy Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor described the trips as wasteful and accused the president of engaging in medical tourism at the expense of taxpayers, questioning why the state-funded Aso Rock Clinic remains unused by the presidency.
The CUPP’s Mark Adebayo echoed the sentiment, branding Tinubu a “president in absentia” and claiming his leadership is more about personal ambition than national interest.
Adebayo also raised constitutional concerns, pointing out that Tinubu failed to officially hand over power to Vice President Kashim Shettima before leaving the country.
Labour Party’s Legal Adviser, Kehinde Edun, questioned the president’s commitment to governance, suggesting that Tinubu appears to be evading the challenges at home rather than addressing them.
The NNPP and figures associated with the Obidient Movement have also called for transparency and even investigative journalism to uncover the true motives behind Tinubu’s repeated visits to France.
Opposition voices are united in their demand for accountability and a reevaluation of leadership priorities, warning that continued detachment from the realities of governance could have consequences at the next election.
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