Tinubu Goes to Europe to “Refuel” After Six Months of Running Nigeria — Dare Explains

President Bola Tinubu has travelled to refuel in Europe for a three-week annual working leave, with Presidential Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, offering a rather interesting explanation: the President needs to “refuel” after months of handling Nigeria’s affairs. According to Dare, Tinubu has spent the past six or seven months dealing with major issues ranging from security to the economy and now needs to recharge before the heavy political activity leading to the 2027 elections.

The Presidency had earlier announced that Tinubu’s first stop would be London and described the trip as part of his 2026 annual leave. Unlike an ordinary holiday, however, this one comes with a working label, meaning the President is expected to remain in contact with government officials and receive regular briefings while abroad.

Refuelling’ President Still Expected to Receive Briefings

Dare said the President’s leave was necessary because the next phase of political activity could be demanding, with months of campaigning ahead of the January 2027 election. In the Presidency’s version of events, Tinubu may be physically away from Abuja, but governance is not supposed to be taking a holiday with him. Ministers, service chiefs and other officials are expected to continue sending briefings, ensuring that the presidential inbox apparently travels wherever the President goes.

That has created a curious political picture: a President on leave who is still expected to monitor state matters daily. In satirical terms, Nigeria may soon discover a new definition of vacation — leaving the country physically while keeping the government mentally on speed dial. The official explanation remains that the President needs to rest and refuel, particularly before the intense political season begins.

Three Weeks Away, Plenty of Political Mileage Ahead

The timing is significant because preparations for the 2027 elections are already gathering momentum. Dare said the campaign season had started and could involve four or five months of serious political activity, while governance would continue alongside it. The President is therefore expected to return from Europe refreshed and ready for another marathon of government business and electoral politics.

The development has also attracted criticism. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar questioned the timing of the President’s trip, arguing that Nigeria is facing serious challenges and that the country needs presidential attention. His criticism shows that the debate is unlikely to end with the aircraft leaving Abuja: supporters see the trip as legitimate rest, while critics see the timing as another reason for political scrutiny.

For now, the official message is simple: Tinubu has travelled to refuel, but government is expected to keep running and presidential briefings are expected to continue. Whether Nigerians will feel the benefits of this political “refuelling” when the President returns is another matter entirely. OGM News NG will continue watching the trip, the politics surrounding it and what happens when the President returns to Nigeria.