President Bola Tinubu has ended his working vacation in France and departed Paris for Lagos, where he is expected to hold meetings with political leaders and associates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The President’s aircraft is expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Tuesday, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu left Abuja on August 30 for what the Presidency described as a working vacation, spending some time in London before proceeding to Paris, France.
The Presidency said the President chose Lagos as his first destination upon return to honour the memory of late Chief MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 1993 presidential election.
Tinubu is expected to attend the premiere of a film celebrating Abiola’s legacy on October 1 at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s Independence Day.
According to the statement, the President will also engage political leaders and associates during his stay in Lagos.
“While in Lagos, President Tinubu will also hold strategic meetings with political leaders and associates over several days in preparation for the 2027 elections,” the statement read.
During his stay in Europe, Tinubu held several engagements, including meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron, businessman Vincent Bolloré, and other business leaders.
He also met with billionaire businessman Femi Otedola at a private dinner in Paris on Monday.
The President witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ogun State Government and DP World for the development of a deep seaport and Blue Marine Economic Zone in Ogun Waterside.
The project, according to the Presidency, involves a planned $7 billion investment by DP World.
Tinubu’s extended stay abroad had generated reactions from opposition groups and some Nigerians, particularly over his absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the UN meeting, where he delivered the country’s national statement.
The Presidency maintained that Tinubu continued to oversee government affairs while abroad and that his absence did not affect Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements.
The President is expected to return to Abuja after completing his Lagos meetings and engagements.
