President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima have come under intense scrutiny from opposition parties over what they describe as wasteful and insensitive foreign trips amidst Nigeria’s economic challenges. Critics argue that the frequent travels by the nation’s top leaders reflect misplaced priorities and a lack of commitment to addressing pressing domestic issues.
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have collectively voiced concerns about the leadership vacuum created by these trips. Their disapproval intensified following President Tinubu’s departure on Wednesday for a two-week working leave in France, closely followed by Vice President Shettima’s visit to Senegal on Thursday to attend Independence Day celebrations.
Peter Ahmeh, CUPP’s National Secretary, expressed frustration over the absence of both leaders, stating that their simultaneous absence hampers governance and exacerbates challenges in critical sectors such as security and the economy. “This disregard for administrative procedures undermines effective leadership. When one leader is away, the other should step in to manage affairs. Instead, we see gaps that hinder progress,” Ahmeh remarked in an interview.
Ahmeh further questioned the necessity of Tinubu’s frequent visits to France, suggesting that such trips create an impression of detachment from Nigeria’s realities. “Many Nigerians feel abandoned. There is no clear direction or growth; only instability persists,” he added.
Similarly, Timothy Osadolor, PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, criticized the travels as irresponsible and potentially linked to undisclosed health issues. He called for transparency regarding Tinubu’s health status, pointing out that repeated foreign trips for medical reasons could erode public trust. “Ambassadors or foreign ministers should handle most international engagements. It is unnecessary for the president to attend every event abroad,” Osadolor argued.
Ladipo Johnson, NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, echoed these sentiments, describing the situation as leaving Nigeria “on autopilot.” He emphasized that during times of economic hardship, such actions project poor leadership optics and deepen citizens’ feelings of neglect. “The constant overseas trips give an impression of abandonment. Nigerians deserve leaders who prioritize their needs over foreign engagements,” Johnson stated.
In response to these criticisms, a senior official from the Presidency dismissed the allegations as baseless, asserting that both leaders are on legitimate missions abroad. The official argued that modern governance does not require physical presence to ensure functionality. “This has happened before without any disruption to national affairs,” the unnamed official noted, emphasizing that opposition parties have a right to critique but should acknowledge advancements in remote governance practices.
While the Presidency defends its stance, opposition parties maintain that frequent absences by Tinubu and Shettima undermine public confidence and hinder efforts to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges effectively.
