President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after a four-week stay in Europe, with his arrival in Lagos coming amid renewed political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections and continuing debate over his prolonged absence. 

Tinubu arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 6:22 p.m. on Tuesday, September 29, after travelling from Paris. He had left Nigeria on August 30 for what the Presidency described as a working vacation. 

APC supporters gathered at the airport to welcome the President, while senior political figures, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, were among those present. 

Tinubu: ‘Healthy, Sound and Ready to Go’

Speaking after his arrival, Tinubu dismissed concerns about his health and said he was ready to resume activities in Nigeria.

Asked about his stay in Europe, the President said: “I enjoyed myself. Fantastic.”

On concerns over his health, he said: “Ready to kick, ready to walk. There’s nothing wrong.”

“Rumour will always be emanating from politics, but the facts remain, I’m here. Healthy, sound, and ready to go,” he added. 

President Set for Lagos Engagements

The Presidency said Tinubu chose to return through Lagos ahead of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

He is expected to attend the premiere of a production honouring the late MKO Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre on October 1.

The State House also said Tinubu would hold strategic meetings with political leaders and associates in Lagos in preparation for the 2027 elections before returning to Abuja. 

During his European stay, Tinubu held engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron and business leaders, including Vincent Bolloré. He also witnessed the signing of an agreement involving the Ogun State Government and DP World for a proposed Gateway Deep Seaport and Blue Marine Economic Zone. 

Four-Week Absence Triggers Constitutional Debate

Tinubu’s prolonged absence generated political and legal questions, particularly over Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution.

The provision states that when the President proceeds on vacation or is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of office, he is to transmit a written declaration to the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives. It further provides for the Vice-President to perform presidential functions as Acting President until a contrary declaration is transmitted. 

Opposition figures have questioned whether the required constitutional procedure was followed during Tinubu’s extended stay abroad.

The African Action Congress has also instituted a legal challenge concerning the President’s absence and the National Assembly’s handling of the matter, according to reports. 

The Presidency, however, has maintained that Tinubu remained engaged with government affairs while abroad and described the trip as a working vacation. 

Jimoh Ibrahim Defends Tinubu’s Absence

Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, defended Tinubu’s decision to remain in Europe during the 81st UN General Assembly.

Ibrahim argued that Tinubu’s continued engagement in official matters meant the President had not abandoned his constitutional responsibilities.

“The president hasn’t committed any offence,” Ibrahim said, describing the trip as a working leave. 

Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the UN General Assembly, where he delivered Nigeria’s national statement and participated in high-level engagements. 

Bode George Raises Opposition Concerns

Former PDP Deputy National Chairman Bode George has separately argued that opposition parties need stronger coordination ahead of 2027.

George said continued division among opposition parties could provide the APC with greater political space ahead of the election.

His comments come as opposition figures continue discussions around possible alliances and platforms for the 2027 contest.

The political debate is expected to intensify as Tinubu resumes activities in Nigeria and begins his scheduled engagements ahead of the Independence anniversary and the 2027 electoral cycle.

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Tragedy struck on Independence Day as fire gutted 26 shops at the popular Bariga Market in Lagos, destroying goods worth millions of naira in the early hours of Wednesday.

The incident occurred barely 24 hours after the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) held a summit on emergency response in the state.

According to a statement by LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the fire broke out around 4 a.m. and quickly spread through the market.

“Further information received at the incident scene revealed that the fire started from one of the shops and quickly spread to other shops because the key-clamp shops were supported and partitioned by wooden frameworks,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.

He explained that emergency responders battled the flames and were able to contain the fire, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the market. “The incident scene was proactively managed to avoid any secondary incidents,” he added.

The cause of the fire has yet to be determined, but preliminary reports confirmed that 26 shops were affected. While the financial losses are enormous, no lives were lost and no injuries were reported.

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