President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja for Europe for a three-week vacation as part of his annual leave.
His first destination will be London, United Kingdom, according to a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Onanuga said Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria at the end of the vacation and join the campaign ahead of the January 2027 general elections.
The President’s break comes as political activities intensify ahead of the elections, with the campaign season for the January 16 presidential and National Assembly polls already underway.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially opened the campaign period on August 19, allowing political parties and their candidates to begin rallies and other campaign activities.
Tinubu, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is expected to face a competitive contest involving several prominent opposition figures.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is contesting under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso are the presidential candidates of the New Democratic Congress (NDC).
Since the 2027 campaign began, the fuel subsidy crisis, rising cost of living and the impact of the Federal Government’s economic reforms have emerged as key issues shaping the election.
Tinubu has consistently defended his administration’s policies, including the removal of the petrol subsidy, arguing that the measures are necessary to stabilise the economy and lay the foundation for long-term growth.
The President’s vacation follows a similar break recently taken by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Shettima resumed official duties on August 18 after spending 12 days on approved leave that began on August 6.
The Presidency said the leave was intended to provide time for “study, reflection and intellectual renewal” as the Vice President reviewed government initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Following his return, Shettima resumed official engagements and, on Saturday, August 29, departed Abuja for Luanda, Angola, to represent Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the African Union Assembly.
Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria at the end of his three-week vacation.
