Tinubu Starts Three-Week Vacation, Presidency Silent on Acting President

The presidency has announced that President Bola Tinubu will leave Abuja today for Europe to start a three-week vacation as part of his annual leave.

"His first stop will be London, United Kingdom," presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said in a statement on Sunday.

Mr Onanuga did not say if the president would hand over power to Vice President Kashim Shettima during his vacation. For this to happen, the president needs to officially inform the Senate President about the temporary transfer of power.

Currently, Mr Shettima is in Angola for the AU leaders summit, where he is representing President Tinubu. He is expected to return later this week.

Since taking office in May 2023, Mr Tinubu has not handed over power to his deputy. His predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, often transferred power to his deputy when he was away for a long time. However, he stopped doing this after then Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, acting as president, removed the controversial Director-General of the SSS, Lawal Daura.

Mr Onanuga said that Mr Tinubu will return re-energized for his re-election campaign.

"President Tinubu is expected to return home after the working vacation to join the hectic campaign for the January 2027 election."