ADC Slams Tinubu Over Europe Trip Amid National Security Concerns

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his recent trip to Europe, describing it as “insensitive” given the ongoing security challenges facing Nigeria.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, expressed concern over the timing of the President’s travel, arguing that Nigerians expect strong leadership at home during periods of heightened insecurity.

“In the wake of yet another deadly bomb blast in Zamfara, on the back of an unprecedented foreign military attack on Nigerian soil, right in the middle of all the uncertainty it has provoked… the next thing we hear is that the President has gone on holiday. What a President,” Abdullahi said in a statement.

President Tinubu departed Lagos for Europe on Sunday as part of a planned engagement, which includes attending the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit in the United Arab Emirates.

The summit is a high-profile international forum aimed at fostering global cooperation on sustainability, climate action, and economic development.

While the Presidency maintains that the trip aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to international dialogues and global partnerships, the ADC argues that the timing sends the wrong message to Nigerians who are anxious about rising insecurity in the country.

Abdullahi further criticised the President for not publicly addressing recent security incidents, including the deadly bombing in Zamfara and the reported foreign military action on Nigerian territory. According to him, these incidents demand immediate reassurance and visible leadership, which are absent while the President is abroad.

The criticism reflects broader frustration among opposition parties and some members of the public, who have increasingly questioned the frequency of President Tinubu’s foreign travels during sensitive domestic periods.

Many believe that the President’s presence at home is essential for maintaining public confidence and addressing pressing security challenges.

As Nigerians debate the balance between international engagements and domestic responsibilities, the ADC’s statement underscores the tension between government priorities abroad and the urgent expectations of citizens at home.