The Presidency has said President Bola Tinubu will return to Nigeria this week, following criticism by Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi over the president's absence from the country and his failure to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Obi had questioned Tinubu's absence in a post on his X account, raising concerns about the president's whereabouts and his involvement in governance while outside the country.
Responding to the criticism, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga defended Tinubu's absence, maintaining that the president could discharge his official responsibilities without being physically present in Abuja.
Onanuga said Tinubu had been on an official working vacation and was entitled to take the break. He also maintained that the president had continued to carry out official duties during his stay abroad.
According to the presidential spokesperson, Tinubu recently met with investors in France and facilitated a proposed $7 billion deep-sea port project in Ogun Waterside, an initiative of the Ogun State Government.
Onanuga also pointed to the absence of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi from the UN General Assembly, arguing that Tinubu's decision not to attend the gathering was not unusual.
He noted that Vice-President Kashim Shettima had been delegated to represent Nigeria at the international gathering while Tinubu was away.
The presidential spokesperson also criticised Obi's comments, arguing that the former Anambra State governor was aware of Tinubu's whereabouts and the arrangements made for his absence.
Onanuga further disclosed that Tinubu was expected back in Nigeria this week to participate in activities marking the country's 66th Independence Anniversary.
He said the president would also attend the premiere of a film celebrating the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola in Lagos, describing the event as an opportunity to honour the late politician's role in Nigeria's democratic history.
The Presidency's response comes amid public debate over Tinubu's absence from the country, his non-attendance at the UN General Assembly and the extent to which he has continued to perform his official duties while abroad.