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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria earlier than expected from his two-week vacation in France and the United Kingdom, according to a statement released by the presidency.
TJ News Nigeria reports that the president, who left the country on September 4, 2025, had initially been scheduled to resume duty on Thursday, September 18, but will now resume office on Tuesday, September 16.
Presidency Confirms Early Return
In an official statement shared on Monday, September 15, by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, the presidency confirmed that Tinubu cut short his vacation to return home ahead of schedule.
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Onanuga stated that Tinubu’s vacation included a private luncheon with French President Emmanuel Macron, where the two leaders discussed bilateral relations between Nigeria and France. The president also spent time in the United Kingdom before making his early return.
Tinubu’s Itinerary and Original Plan
- Departure: Tinubu departed Nigeria for France on September 4, 2025.
- Planned return: Initially scheduled for September 18.
- Actual return: Arrived in Nigeria on September 15.
- Resumption date: Will officially resume duty on September 16.
The presidency did not specify the exact reason for his early return, but it has generated widespread discussion across the country.
Nigerians React to Tinubu’s Return
The announcement sparked mixed reactions from citizens, with some commending the president while others expressed skepticism:
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Emmanuel Ndiokwere urged Tinubu to cut down on foreign travels:
“I wish Mr President well as he returns to Nigeria. But I plead that he spends more time at home to face the problems confronting the country.”
Ayokiitan stressed the need for results from international engagements:
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“If all these meetings and travels don’t translate to investments and reduced hunger, then they’re a waste of resources.”
Ehwarieme Kolawole Goddey offered prayers:
“This must have been occasioned by something important. May God keep leading our president.”
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Daily Justice countered the “early return” narrative:
“Ten working days from September 4 is September 16. He’s not back early; stop suggesting otherwise.”
George April predicted a political spectacle:
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“We’ll see governors leaving their states to welcome him at the airport.”
Political Context
Tinubu’s return comes amid swirling speculation over his political moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Recently, reports suggested the president might consider replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima on the ticket, but presidency sources have dismissed such claims as baseless, insisting Tinubu has no such plans.
Key Takeaways
- President Tinubu returned September 15 instead of the earlier scheduled September 18.
- He is expected to resume official duties on September 16.
- His trip included a luncheon with Emmanuel Macron in France.
- Nigerians have reacted with mixed views — calls for less foreign travel, demands for investment impact, and skepticism over the “early return” claim.
- The presidency insists Shettima remains Tinubu’s running mate for 2027.
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