Opposition Leaders Criticize President Tinubu Over European Vacation

Opposition figures and political parties have launched a coordinated critique of Bola Ahmed Tinubu following his three-week vacation in Europe. The Allied People’s Movement demanded that the Presidency disclose the president's health status, suggesting the length of the trip raises concerns that he may be incapacitated or has abdicated his duties during a period of severe national crisis.

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, characterized the trip as a sign of misplaced priorities. He alleged that the government spent N37.64 billion on presidential travel between June 2023 and April 2026, while critical sectors remained underfunded. Obi specifically contrasted this spending with the health sector, claiming only N36 million was released to the Federal Ministry of Health in 2025 despite a N218 billion capital allocation.

Both critics highlighted the deteriorating security situation, with the Allied People’s Movement citing high casualty and abduction rates since May 2023, and Obi pointing to the recent abduction of approximately 600 people in Niger State. In response to the administration's performance, the Allied People’s Movement urged Tinubu to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race and endorsed Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as a replacement. Meanwhile, Obi promoted a political partnership with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as a necessary new direction for the country.