The African Democratic Congress has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to travel to Europe amid rising security concerns in Nigeria. According to Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s spokesperson, the move is insensitive and alarming. Abdullahi’s statement comes after President Tinubu departed Nigeria for Europe to participate in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Summit, where he will engage with global leaders on climate action, economic reforms, and sustainable development.
The spokesperson argued that the President’s foreign trip comes at a troubling moment, as Nigeria grapples with renewed insecurity, including a recent deadly bomb blast in Zamfara State and heightened public anxiety following a US military strike on Nigerian soil. Abdullahi noted that Nigerians were waiting for reassurance from the President when news of his travel broke. He expressed concern that the President’s silence on critical national security issues, coupled with his absence from the country, raises serious concerns about leadership responsiveness at a time of national distress.
President Tinubu’s trip to Europe is part of his end-of-year break, ahead of his official visit to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The President is scheduled to participate in the 2026 edition of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit, following an invitation from the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The summit will bring together leaders from government, business, and civil society to advance global conversations on sustainable development.
The President’s visit to Abu Dhabi is expected to focus on connecting innovation, finance, and people to drive sustainable growth. The 2026 summit will be held under the theme “The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go” in early January. As Nigeria continues to face security challenges, the President’s decision to travel abroad has sparked criticism from opposition parties and raised questions about his administration’s priorities. The situation highlights the need for effective leadership and communication in times of crisis, as the country navigates its security concerns and seeks to address the concerns of its citizens.