Tinubu Delays Nigeria Return Amid Itinerary Change

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has postponed his return to Nigeria following a last-minute change to his travel itinerary. Originally scheduled to return this weekend, he is now expected back on Tuesday.

The reason for this adjustment has not been disclosed. Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for a three-week working vacation in London, where he spent about a week before traveling to Paris.

In Paris, he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré. On September 21, the presidency announced an extension of his stay, indicating that Tinubu was in close contact with officials in Nigeria and continued to direct government affairs remotely.

During his absence, Vice-President Kashim Shettima has represented Nigeria at various official functions, including the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. The delay has reignited discussions about the constitutional implications of his absence, with opposition figures citing Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution regarding the transfer of presidential powers.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio dismissed these concerns, asserting that Tinubu remains in charge.