President Tinubu on Working Vacation, Assures Health

The Presidency has assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu is "hale and hearty," addressing concerns regarding his absence from Abuja and the 2026 United Nations General Assembly in New York. In a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, it was clarified that Tinubu is on his annual vacation but remains engaged with official duties.

The statement emphasized that advances in technology allow him to fulfill his responsibilities remotely. Tinubu's meetings with investors in France were cited as evidence of his ongoing engagement.

The Presidency also noted that other African leaders, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, were absent from the UNGA. Tinubu had announced his vacation in advance and delegated Nigeria's representation to Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The statement criticized former Anambra State governor Peter Obi for questioning Tinubu's whereabouts. Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria during the week ahead of the country's 66th Independence Anniversary and is set to attend a movie premiere in Lagos honoring MKO Abiola.