The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday dismissed claims suggesting that President Bola Tinubu has been missing or absent from his official duties.
The clarification came after comments attributed to Peter Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, who questioned the president’s visibility amid rising concerns over economic challenges and national security.
In a statement signed by Lagos State APC Spokesman, Seye Oladejo, the party assured Nigerians that President Tinubu remains fully engaged in governance, both domestically and internationally.
Oladejo urged political actors to focus on substantive issues rather than appearances, stressing:
“He is actively involved in the complex and demanding work of statecraft, which includes policy coordination, security oversight, diplomatic engagements, and economic reforms. Governance is not measured by constant public appearances or media check-ins. It is assessed by the quality of decisions taken, the policies implemented, and the outcomes delivered in the national interest.”
He added that the president continues to perform his constitutional responsibilities with focus and resolve, guided by his mandate from Nigerians. According to Oladejo, Tinubu’s schedule prioritizes national interests over political commentary, highlighting ongoing efforts in economic reform, security coordination, and international diplomacy.
Oladejo also encouraged political leaders to contribute constructively with ideas and solutions rather than raising concerns that could create unnecessary public anxiety.
Peter Obi, a former Anambra governor, had raised concerns over the president’s absence, claiming Tinubu spent 196 days abroad in 2025, surpassing the time spent within Nigeria. Obi also noted that Nigerians had not heard directly from the president since December 2025.
President Tinubu left Lagos on December 28, 2025, for Europe to conclude his end-of-year break and prepare for an official visit to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. He arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday to attend the 2026 edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2026), which began on Monday at the invitation of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
