President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after an extended stay in Europe, arriving in Lagos on Tuesday evening. He arrived at the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, from Paris aboard Nigerian Air Force One at about 6:22 pm. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and other dignitaries were at the airport to receive the President.
Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for what the Presidency described as a working vacation. He initially travelled to London, where he spent about a week, before proceeding to Paris, France. During his stay in France, the President held engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron, including a private dinner.
The President's return places him back at the centre of domestic political activities, with the Presidency disclosing that he is expected to hold strategic meetings with political leaders and associates in Lagos as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum. According to a statement issued by the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu departed Paris for Lagos, where he is expected to meet political leaders and associates over the coming days.
The meetings are expected to bring Tinubu back into direct engagement with political actors as parties and politicians begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle. The Presidency said the meetings would be part of preparations for the 2027 elections, placing the President's return against the backdrop of growing political realignments ahead of the next general elections.
Beyond the political engagements, the Presidency said Tinubu chose to return to Lagos first in order to honour the memory of the late Chief MKO Abiola, a major figure in Nigeria's democratic struggle and the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. As part of activities marking the country's 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1, the President is expected to attend the premiere of a film celebrating Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos.
The event is expected to form part of the activities commemorating Nigeria's independence while also highlighting figures associated with the country's democratic history. Tinubu's return also comes as the Presidency prepares for the Independence Day programme, with the President expected to participate in activities marking the anniversary.
With his return, Tinubu is set to resume domestic engagements, having spent about four weeks in Europe. His Special Assistant on Social Media, Olusegun Dada, confirmed the President's return, posting on X: "Landing. Welcome home, Mr President!"
Key points
- President Bola Tinubu returns to Lagos after a four-week stay in Europe.
- Tinubu is expected to hold strategic meetings with political leaders and associates in Lagos.
- The President will attend the premiere of a film celebrating the late Chief MKO Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos.
