Tinubu Begins Three-Week Leave, Jets Out to Europe
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Abuja for Europe to begin a three-week vacation as part of his annual leave.
The development was announced by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement issued on Sunday, August 30, 2026.
According to the Presidency, Tinubu’s first destination is London, United Kingdom, where he will begin the working vacation.
Tinubu Begins Three-Week Annual Leave
President Tinubu’s three-week trip is part of his 2026 annual leave.
The Presidency described the period as a working vacation, with Tinubu expected to return to Nigeria after the break and continue his official and political engagements.
Onanuga said the President is expected to return home after the vacation to participate in preparations and campaigning ahead of the January 2027 general elections.
The Presidency has not publicly provided details of all the European destinations Tinubu may visit during the three-week period. London is confirmed as his first stop.
Tinubu Jets Out of Abuja
Tinubu departed Abuja on Sunday as he commenced the annual leave.
The trip comes at a time when political activities are intensifying ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) opened the official campaign period on August 19, 2026, paving the way for political parties and candidates to begin their campaign activities.
Tinubu, who is seeking another term in office on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is expected to return to Nigeria before the campaign season gathers further momentum.
Why Tinubu Is Travelling to Europe
The Presidency says the trip is part of Tinubu’s annual leave and includes a working vacation.
Unlike a purely private holiday, a working vacation allows the President to take a break while also attending to selected official matters.
However, the Presidency has not disclosed the full schedule of Tinubu’s engagements during the three-week period.
His first confirmed destination is London, United Kingdom.
Tinubu Expected Back Ahead of 2027 Campaign
According to Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria after the three-week vacation and join the campaign activities ahead of the January 2027 elections.
The timing of the trip comes as political parties continue to mobilise supporters and prepare for the upcoming presidential and National Assembly elections.
The President’s return will therefore coincide with an increasingly active political period in Nigeria.
What About Vice President Shettima?
Tinubu’s departure also comes shortly after Vice President Kashim Shettima completed his own approved leave.
Shettima returned to official duties on August 18 after spending 12 days on leave.
He subsequently travelled to Luanda, Angola, to represent President Tinubu at an African Union meeting.
Premium Times reported that the Presidency had not, at the time of its report, announced whether Tinubu had formally transferred presidential powers to Shettima during his absence.
Tinubu’s 2026 Vacation
The President’s latest trip is his annual leave for 2026.
The Presidency has confirmed that the vacation will last approximately three weeks, with London serving as the first stop.
Further details about other destinations or engagements during the trip had not been publicly disclosed as of Sunday, August 30.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has begun a three-week annual leave in Europe, departing Abuja on Sunday, August 30, 2026.
His first stop is London, United Kingdom, according to the Presidency.
The trip has been described as a working vacation, and Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria after the break to continue his engagements ahead of the January 2027 elections.
Just9ja will continue to provide updates as more information about the President’s European trip and official engagements emerges.
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