Tinubu Postpones Return, To Land in Lagos Tuesday

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has again postponed his return to Nigeria after his working vacation in Europe, with the Presidency now announcing Tuesday, September 29, 2026 as his new arrival date.

The President, who left Nigeria on August 30 for a working vacation in London and Paris, was initially expected to return last weekend. Presidency sources have now confirmed he will land in Lagos through the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport where he will be received by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Presidency Speaks On Health and Independence Day Plans

The postponement has fueled speculations about the President's health and absence from the United Nations General Assembly. Reacting, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed the speculations in a statement on Sunday.

According to Onanuga, Tinubu is hale and hearty and does not need to be physically present in Abuja to do his work. He disclosed that the President has been meeting investors in France, most recently facilitating a $7 billion deep-sea port in Ogun Waterside, an initiative of the Ogun State Government.

“Tinubu is hale and hearty and has been meeting investors in France. He does not need to be physically present in Abuja to do his work.”

The statement by Bayo Onanuga comes as Vice President Kashim Shettima returned to Nigeria after representing the President at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Senate President Godswill Akpabio had earlier said there is no vacancy in Aso Rock and that Tinubu remains in charge.

Constitutional Debate Over Section 145

The latest postponement has triggered a fresh constitutional debate under Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution. The section provides that when the President is proceeding on vacation, he shall transmit a written declaration to the Senate President and Speaker, after which the Vice-President acts as President.

Sources within the Presidency said Tinubu will remain in Lagos through Thursday, October 1st when he will deliver his nationwide Independence Day broadcast to Nigerians. The Federal Government had announced that the broadcast will form part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

Opposition Reactions

Opposition figures have continued to criticize the extended stay. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other 2027 hopefuls have questioned the timing of the vacation amid economic hardship. The APC National Chairman has however defended the President’s trip as necessary for attracting foreign investment.