Atiku Criticises Tinubu over Three-Week Europe Vacation

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for embarking on a three-week vacation in Europe amid economic hardship and security concerns across Nigeria.

Atiku said the President’s decision to leave the country at a time when many Nigerians were facing rising living costs raised concerns about the administration’s priorities and its response to the challenges confronting citizens.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the former Vice President said Nigeria was dealing with serious economic and security problems that required strong political leadership.

He acknowledged that Tinubu’s absence did not create a constitutional crisis because the country’s constitutional arrangements provide for the Vice President to assume presidential responsibilities when necessary.

However, Atiku argued that the circumstances surrounding the President’s trip created concerns about the level of leadership being provided to the country at a difficult period.

The ADC candidate pointed to the rising cost of living, food insecurity, expensive transportation and worsening insecurity as some of the major problems affecting Nigerians.

He said the price of petrol had placed additional pressure on households, while the high cost of transportation had made movement increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens.

Atiku also drew a distinction between the international travels of private citizens and those of a sitting president, arguing that the responsibilities attached to the office of the President required a different level of attention and commitment.

The former Vice President said he had travelled and spent time outside Nigeria on several occasions as a private citizen but maintained that such movements should not be compared with the overseas trips of a serving President.

He argued that the President’s responsibilities extend beyond official functions and include providing direction during periods of economic hardship and insecurity.

Atiku said Nigerians were already struggling to afford basic necessities, with some families having to reduce the quantity and quality of food they consume because of rising prices.

He also raised concerns about the cost of transportation, saying the increase in fares had made even routine journeys unaffordable for many Nigerians.

The ADC presidential candidate further referred to insecurity across parts of the country, where attacks and other violent incidents have continued to affect communities.

According to him, the combination of economic hardship and insecurity requires sustained attention from the country’s leadership.

Atiku’s criticism comes as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election continue to gather momentum, with opposition parties increasingly challenging the Tinubu administration over its economic policies and handling of national issues.

The former Vice President maintained that the current situation demanded leadership capable of responding quickly to the difficulties facing Nigerians.

He therefore questioned the timing of Tinubu’s three-week European vacation, arguing that the President should remain closely engaged with the problems confronting the country.