Tinubu Cuts Short Europe Trip, Returns to Abuja Before Rivers Emergency Rule Expires
By Odekunle Doyin
President Bola Tinubu has made an early return to Abuja after cutting short his private leave in Europe. The Nigerian leader arrived on Tuesday evening aboard a presidential Airbus A330 that touched down at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport around 6:50 p.m.
Tinubu, who left the country on September 4 for Paris and London in what was billed as a 10-day trip, was widely expected back later this week. His early arrival, however, has fueled fresh speculation within political circles as the expiration of the six-month emergency rule in oil-rich Rivers State looms on Thursday.
The 73-year-old president has undertaken at least 15 foreign trips since January 2025, frequently blending official duties with short periods of rest. His last known holiday was in April, when he spent nearly two weeks between Paris and London.
While the presidency has yet to provide an official explanation for the abrupt change of schedule, the timing of Tinubu’s return is already drawing attention amid mounting political, security, and economic concerns at home.
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