Concerns over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent absence from public engagements have triggered renewed debate about transparency, leadership visibility, and accountability at Nigeria’s highest level of government. The discussion gained momentum after Omoyele Sowore, activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, publicly questioned the president’s whereabouts and suggested that the country was effectively operating without an active leader.

Sowore’s remarks, shared on his X account formerly known as Twitter, come at a time of heightened economic pressure, persistent security challenges, and rising public frustration. While the Presidency has not directly responded to his latest comments, government officials have previously insisted that the president remains fully engaged in governance, even when his activities are not publicly visible.

Sowore raises alarm over presidential absence

In his post, Sowore described President Tinubu’s limited public presence as troubling and called for clarity from the government. According to him, the apparent silence and reduced visibility of the president raise questions about leadership at a critical moment for the country.

“Nigeria without a President. Where is Bola Ahmed Tinubu these days? He appears to have vanished entirely from public view,” Sowore wrote.

A long-standing critic of successive administrations, Sowore argued that Nigerians deserve regular and clear communication from their elected leader, especially amid economic hardship and social tension. His statement quickly gained traction online, drawing both support and criticism from political commentators and citizens.

Presidency’s position and past assurances

As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency has not issued an official statement directly addressing Sowore’s claims. However, in previous instances when similar concerns were raised, senior government officials maintained that President Tinubu continues to perform his duties.

According to presidential aides, the president regularly holds meetings, receives security and economic briefings, and engages with top officials, even when such activities are not covered by the media. They argue that governance does not always require constant public appearances and that much of the president’s work takes place behind closed doors.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, recently confirmed that Tinubu travelled from Lagos to Europe as part of his end-of-year break before proceeding to Abu Dhabi for an official engagement. According to Onanuga’s statement shared on social media, the president is expected to return to Nigeria after completing his international commitments.

Travel plans and Abu Dhabi summit

According to the Presidency, President Tinubu is scheduled to attend the 2026 edition of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit in the United Arab Emirates. The invitation was extended by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The summit, slated for January, is described by organisers as a weeklong gathering of global leaders from government, business, and civil society to discuss sustainable development and climate-related challenges. Presidential sources say Tinubu’s participation aligns with Nigeria’s interest in energy transition, investment attraction, and climate financing.

Officials further noted that the president’s travel schedule had been planned in advance and does not signal any abdication of responsibility.

Budget figures add another layer to the debate

Meanwhile, fresh scrutiny has emerged following a review of the 2026 federal budget by SaharaReporters. According to the report, N6.1 billion has been allocated for President Tinubu’s international travels under the State House operations for the fiscal year.

The budget breakdown also shows that N873 million is earmarked for the president’s local travels during the same period. In addition, Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected to spend N1.3 billion on foreign trips in 2026. Combined, the president and vice president are projected to spend N7.4 billion on international travel next year.

The review further indicates that N375 million has been set aside for foodstuffs and catering materials within the State House budget.

These figures have intensified public debate, particularly among critics who argue that high travel spending contrasts sharply with the economic realities faced by many Nigerians.

Why visibility matters now

Analysts say the controversy reflects a broader issue about leadership perception during times of national strain. Nigeria is currently grappling with rising living costs, currency pressures, and public dissatisfaction linked to economic reforms.

According to political analyst Rotimi Olawale, who spoke to Punch on leadership communication in democratic systems, visibility plays a symbolic role beyond policy decisions. He noted that citizens often look to the president for reassurance during difficult periods.

“When economic conditions are harsh, people want to see and hear from their leader more frequently. Absence, even if administrative work is ongoing, can be interpreted as indifference,” Olawale said.

Civil society groups have echoed similar sentiments, urging the Presidency to adopt more proactive communication strategies to reduce speculation and rebuild trust.

Opposition and civil society reactions

Opposition figures say the current debate underscores the need for clearer institutional communication rather than reliance on ad hoc explanations. According to a statement by a coalition of civil society organisations in Abuja, transparency about the president’s schedule and health would help counter misinformation and restore public confidence.

They argue that regular updates do not undermine national security but instead strengthen democratic accountability.

Supporters of the administration, however, maintain that criticism of the president’s travel and visibility is politically motivated. They point out that previous Nigerian presidents also spent extended periods abroad for diplomacy and rest without similar levels of scrutiny.

Observers say attention will likely focus on whether the Presidency responds directly to Sowore’s claims and whether more detailed communication about presidential activities is provided in the coming weeks. Tinubu’s participation at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit is also expected to draw attention, particularly regarding any bilateral agreements or investment commitments that emerge.

In addition, debate over State House spending is likely to continue as lawmakers and advocacy groups review the 2026 budget in greater detail.

The questions raised about President Bola Tinubu’s public absence highlight the delicate balance between governance behind the scenes and the need for visible leadership. While the Presidency insists that the president remains fully engaged, critics argue that clearer communication is essential at a time of economic and social pressure.

As Nigeria navigates reform-driven challenges, how the government manages public perception, transparency, and accountability may prove just as important as the policies themselves.