Labour Party Criticize Tinubu Over Frequent Foreign Trips

The Labour Party has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s frequent travels abroad, arguing that his prolonged absences are coming at a time Nigeria is battling worsening insecurity and economic hardship.

In a statement on Saturday, the party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Tony Akeni, faulted the President’s current 10-day working vacation in France and the United Kingdom, describing it as evidence of his “allergy to staying at home to tackle the nation’s problems.”

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu departed Nigeria for yet another of his too many overseas trips. This time, the trip is officially explained as a 10-day vacation and part of his 2025 annual leave, which he will spend in France and the United Kingdom,” Akeni said.

The LP noted that Tinubu’s travels come amid rising inflation, a weakening naira, persistent insecurity, and a World Bank report indicating that 135 million Nigerians slipped into poverty within the President’s first 18 months in office.

The party further alleged that violent deaths across the country average 57 daily—higher than the 50 deaths reported daily from the war in Ukraine. It also claimed that Tinubu has spent almost 160 days abroad in less than two years in office.

The statement warned that such “medical and social tourism” undermines governance and drains public funds, insisting that Nigeria cannot afford it.

The ruling All Progressives Congress, however, defended the President. Party spokesperson Seye Oladejo maintained that governance does not stop when Tinubu travels, stressing that he remains in constant communication with his security and economic teams.

“Governance does not grind to a halt simply because a leader takes time to rest—especially in an age where secure, real-time communication is always within reach,” Oladejo said.

Tinubu left Abuja on Thursday for the European vacation, drawing criticism from opposition groups and civil society organisations who argue that his physical presence is needed at home.