President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Abuja for Europe to begin a three-week vacation as part of his annual leave.
The Presidency announced the development on Sunday through the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to Onanuga, Tinubu’s first destination will be London, United Kingdom.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja today for Europe to begin a three-week vacation as part of his annual leave,” the statement said.
The Presidency described the trip as a working vacation and said the President is expected to return to Nigeria after the three-week break to join campaign activities ahead of the January 2027 general elections.
Tinubu’s departure comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections. The Independent National Electoral Commission had opened the campaign period on August 19, allowing political parties and candidates to commence campaign activities ahead of the polls.
The President, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, is expected to return to the country as the election campaign gathers momentum.
The Presidency, however, did not disclose Tinubu’s full itinerary or the other European destinations he may visit during the three-week vacation.
The President’s leave follows a similar break recently taken by Vice President Kashim Shettima. Shettima commenced a 12-day approved leave on August 6 and resumed official duties on August 18.
Shettima subsequently travelled to Luanda, Angola, on Saturday, August 29, to represent President Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the African Union Assembly.
Tinubu’s latest vacation is his third annual leave since he assumed office in May 2023.
In September 2025, the President embarked on a 10-working-day annual leave, travelling to France and the United Kingdom. The Presidency at the time described the trip as a working vacation.
He had also proceeded on a two-week annual leave to the United Kingdom in October 2024, which was described by the Presidency as a working retreat.
The Presidency has not announced any transfer of presidential powers to Vice President Shettima for the duration of the latest vacation. Premium Times reported that Onanuga’s statement did not indicate whether Tinubu would formally hand over power to the Vice President while he is away.
Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria at the end of the three-week vacation and resume his official duties, including preparations for the 2027 presidential election campaign.