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President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday returned to Nigeria after spending about four weeks in Europe, arriving in Lagos from Paris aboard Nigerian Air Force One.
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The President’s return places him back at the centre of domestic political activities, with the Presidency disclosing that he is expected to hold strategic meetings with political leaders and associates in Lagos as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
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Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30, first spending a week in London before proceeding to Paris, where he held engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron, including a private dinner, before departing the French capital for Lagos.
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His return also comes ahead of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1, with Tinubu expected to participate in commemorative activities, including the premiere of a film celebrating the late Chief MKO Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos.
September 29, (THEWILL) – President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after an extended stay in Europe, arriving in Lagos on Tuesday evening to resume domestic engagements ahead of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary and preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Tinubu arrived at the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, from Paris aboard Nigerian Air Force One at about 6:22 pm.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and other dignitaries were at the airport to receive the President.
The President’s return was also confirmed by his Special Assistant on Social Media, Olusegun Dada, who posted on X: “Landing. Welcome home, Mr President!”
Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for what the Presidency described as a working vacation. He initially travelled to London, where he spent about a week, before proceeding to Paris, France.
During his stay in France, the President held engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron, including a private dinner, as part of his activities while outside the country.
His return to Lagos marks the end of his extended stay abroad and comes as the administration prepares for a series of political and national engagements.
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According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu departed Paris for Lagos, where he is expected to meet political leaders and associates over the coming days.
The Presidency said the meetings would be part of preparations for the 2027 elections, placing the President’s return against the backdrop of growing political realignments ahead of the next general elections.
“While in Lagos, President Tinubu will also hold strategic meetings with political leaders and associates over several days in preparation for the 2027 elections”, the statement read.
The meetings are expected to bring Tinubu back into direct engagement with political actors as parties and politicians begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
Independence Anniversary
Beyond the political engagements, the Presidency said Tinubu chose to return to Lagos first in order to honour the memory of the late Chief MKO Abiola, a major figure in Nigeria’s democratic struggle and the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
As part of activities marking the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1, the President is expected to attend the premiere of a film celebrating Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos.
The event is expected to form part of the activities commemorating Nigeria’s independence while also highlighting figures associated with the country’s democratic history.
Tinubu’s return also comes as the Presidency prepares for the Independence Day programme, with the President expected to participate in activities marking the anniversary.
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