The African Democratic Congress has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to travel to Europe at a time of heightened insecurity across the country, describing the move as insensitive and unsettling.
In a statement titled “PBAT’s lack of care scary,”posted on his X handle on Sunday, the party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the President’s trip sent the wrong signal as Nigerians grapple with renewed security threats.
Abdullahi’s comments followed a report by PUNCH Online that Tinubu had departed Nigeria for Europe ahead of his participation in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Summit, where he is expected to engage global leaders on climate action, economic reforms and sustainable development.
According to the ADC spokesperson, the President’s absence came at a troubling moment, citing a recent deadly bomb explosion in Zamfara State and growing public anxiety following reports of a United States military strike on Nigerian soil.
He noted that Nigerians were still awaiting reassurance from the President when news of his travel emerged.
“In the wake of yet another deadly bomb blast in Zamfara, to which the President has not said a single word; on the back of an unprecedented foreign military attack on Nigerian soil; with a confused and frightened nation waiting for the President to speak and assure us that all is well, the next thing we hear is that the President has gone on holiday. What a President,” Abdullahi stated.
He added that the President’s silence on pressing security issues, combined with his departure from the country, raised serious concerns about leadership responsiveness during a period of national distress.
PUNCH Online reports that Tinubu left Lagos on Sunday for Europe as part of his end-of-year break, ahead of an official visit to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
A statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Tinubu is scheduled to attend the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit in early January, following an invitation from the UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The summit, themed “The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go,” is expected to convene leaders from government, business and civil society to advance global discussions on sustainable development, innovation and inclusive growth.
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