President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commenced a three-week annual leave, departing Abuja on Sunday, August 30, 2026, for Europe.
The Presidency disclosed the development through a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. According to the statement, Tinubu’s first destination during the trip is London, United Kingdom.
The three-week break is being described as a working vacation and forms part of the President’s annual leave. Details of his complete itinerary, including whether he will visit other European countries, have not been made public.
Tinubu expected back ahead of 2027 campaign
The President is expected to return to Nigeria at the end of the vacation and resume his official engagements.
His return will also come as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Presidency said Tinubu is expected to join the campaign activities surrounding the January 2027 elections after completing his working vacation.
The timing of the vacation comes against the backdrop of increased political activity across the country, with political parties and candidates preparing for the forthcoming elections.
Shettima’s role during the period
Tinubu’s departure also comes shortly after Vice President Kashim Shettima returned from an approved leave. Shettima has continued to represent the President at important official engagements, including his recent trip to Luanda, Angola, for an African Union meeting.
The Presidency’s announcement concerning Tinubu’s vacation did not provide details about any formal transfer of presidential powers to the Vice President during the President’s absence.
Focus on return to national duties
Although the trip is primarily an annual vacation, its description as a working vacation suggests that the President may continue to attend to selected official matters while abroad.
Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria after three weeks, with attention likely to shift back to governance, economic policies and preparations for the 2027 election campaign.
The Presidency has not released a detailed schedule of the President’s activities during his stay in Europe.