President Bola Tinubu returned to Nigeria on September 29, 2026, to a colourful welcome from All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The supporters, dressed in APC-themed outfits, carried placards bearing messages of support for the President and his administration. Tinubu's return signals an intensified campaign towards the January 2027 general elections after weeks of subtle campaign activities due to his absence.
Tinubu's month-long stay in Europe had been at the centre of a constitutional dispute and political contest. The President's absence had sparked concerns about his health, which he dismissed as rumours. "Ready to kick, ready to walk. There's nothing wrong," Tinubu said. He added that such reports were often associated with politics. The President spent the first phase of his stay in London before moving to Paris, France, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron and discussed bilateral relations.
During his stay in Paris, Tinubu also met with French businessman Vincent Bolloré and senior executives of the Bolloré Group to discuss investment opportunities and the localisation of the group's operations in Nigeria. The President witnessed the signing of agreements between the Ogun State Government and global logistics firm, DP World, on the proposed Gateway Deep Seaport and Blue Marine Economic Zone in Ogun Waterside.
Tinubu's return to Lagos comes ahead of Independence Day celebrations, with the President expected to participate in several official and cultural activities. He is scheduled to attend the premiere of a production honouring the late Chief MKO Abiola, winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos. The Presidency had earlier indicated that Tinubu's decision to return to Lagos ahead of the anniversary was partly to honour Abiola's memory.
The President's return has also sparked controversy over the length of his stay abroad and the period during which Vice-President Kashim Shettima was also outside the country attending the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Opposition politicians and constitutional lawyers have offered differing interpretations of the Constitution regarding the President's vacation and the role of the Vice-President.
The African Democratic Congress and other opposition voices questioned whether the President had transmitted the written declaration contemplated under Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution when proceeding on vacation. The African Action Congress on Monday instituted a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja challenging Tinubu's absence and the National Assembly's handling of the matter.
Tinubu's return leaves constitutional questions over extended vacation, but the President appears to be focused on his 2027 campaign. He was received at the airport by senior government officials and political leaders, including Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The President's entourage departed the airport at about 6:35 p.m.
Key points
- President Tinubu dismisses health concerns as rumours.
- Tinubu's return sparks controversy over constitutional issues.
- The President gears up for the 2027 general elections.
