The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as an “excessive foreign travel culture,” claiming the president has been absent from Nigeria for nearly a quarter of his presidency.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party alleged that Tinubu had embarked on his 40th international trip in 26 months, spending about 181 days abroad — a record the ADC says is unprecedented among Nigerian and African leaders in recent history.
The party argued that the president’s frequent travels come at a time when the country faces worsening insecurity, deepening poverty, and a rising epidemic of child malnutrition. According to the ADC, Tinubu has visited more foreign countries than Nigerian states since assuming office, having travelled to only 13 of the 36 states.
“This frequent flier presidency stands in stark contrast to the realities at home,” the statement read. “While an average of 30 Nigerians are killed daily due to insecurity, millions face economic hardship and children suffer malnutrition, the president appears to prioritise foreign engagements over urgent domestic needs.”
The ADC also questioned the tangible benefits of the trips, describing them as “wasteful” given the billions of naira allegedly spent without clear economic or diplomatic gains. It further warned that the president’s recent week-long absence from public view, which fuelled rumours about his health, could harm investor confidence and embolden Nigeria’s adversaries.
The party suggested that appointing ambassadors could reduce the need for Tinubu to personally attend every meeting abroad, noting that agreements reached on such trips require follow-up from diplomatic representatives.
Reiterating its stance, the ADC said Nigeria “deserves a president who is present” and urged Tinubu to focus more on governance at home rather than treating the role “like a part-time job.”