President Bola Tinubu returned to Abuja in the early hours of Sunday after the BRICS summit in Brazil, putting to bed mounting widespread public concern and speculation about his whereabouts.
A decent source confirmed that the President’s aircraft touched down at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at exactly 1:30 a.m. local time and was received by top government officials and aides.
Recall President Tinubu departed Nigeria on June 28, 2025, for a two-nation visit to Saint Lucia and Brazil. In Brazil, he participated in the 17th BRICS Summit, which was held in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 to 7, and engaged in a series of bilateral meetings alongside key members of his cabinet.
However, three days after the summit ended, the President’s whereabouts remained unclear, as the Presidency failed to provide updates on his return or subsequent engagements. The prolonged silence gave rise to widespread public concern and speculation, especially on social media.
Unofficial sources within the Presidential Villa had hinted that Tinubu left Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday, but failed to confirm whether he was en route to Nigeria or scheduled for further engagements elsewhere.
In the absence of official communication, prominent figures, including Paul Ibe, spokesperson to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, publicly questioned the President’s location, fueling further speculation.
The Presidency’s information blackout came at a time of increased public demand for transparency around the movements and health status of Nigeria’s top officials.
Many Nigerians expressed discomfort with the lack of accountability, pointing to similar patterns under previous administrations.
President Tinubu’s eventual return today brings a close to days of uncertainty and quiet tension over the handling of presidential communication, once again highlighting the need for timely and open updates on the activities of the country’s leader.