By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu returned to Nigeria on Monday night after a 19-day private visit to Europe, where he stayed in Paris and London.
Initially, the presidency stated that the trip would last two weeks, but the extended stay raised concerns among Nigerians.
Upon his arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, President Tinubu was welcomed by top government officials, including Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and Defence Minister Bello Matawalle.
The president had traveled to Paris on April 2, 2025, before proceeding to London, where he continued handling official duties remotely.
However, his absence drew criticism from opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar of the PDP and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, who argued that the president should not have left the country amid worsening security challenges.
The Presidency dismissed rumors that Tinubu traveled for medical reasons, insisting it was a private visit.