PDP faction criticises Tinubu’s absence at UNGA, extension of vacation abroad

The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has suggested that Nigeria will be governed remotely until President Bola Tinubu returns to the country. Tinubu and his Vice President, Kashim Shettima, are currently absent from Nigeria at a time when the nation is seeking a change in leadership. Baba-Ahmed made this statement while commenting on Tinubu's decision to extend his vacation in Europe.

The former presidential aide made the comment after Tinubu's vacation, which was initially scheduled to last a few days, was extended, and he is now expected to return to Nigeria at the end of the week. Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for London and subsequently moved to Paris, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.

Despite his extended absence, Tinubu has continued to communicate with officials in Nigeria and has directed the government's affairs while abroad. Shettima also left Nigeria for New York for the ongoing 81st United Nations General Assembly. However, Tinubu's Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has stated that the President has the ability to govern Nigeria from any location worldwide.

Baba-Ahmed took to X, formerly Twitter, to express his reaction, stating that with Tinubu's leave extension and Shettima's absence, the country will be governed remotely until the President's return. He further questioned Tinubu, asking if he was aware of something that others were not.