Abati says Tinubu entitled to Europe trip, calls Atiku’s criticism embarrassing
Former presidential aide Reuben Abati has dismissed criticism from ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar over President Bola Tinubu’s three-week working vacation in Europe, saying the questions raised are embarrassing and not properly researched. Abati stated Tinubu is entitled to travel abroad as long as his absence does not exceed the 21‑day constitutional threshold under Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, adding there is no evidence the president has formally transferred power. He noted that while Tinubu was en route to Europe on Monday, the Vice President was in Angola, meaning both top officials were outside the country simultaneously. The APC has explained the trip as necessary for the president to "refuel." Abati’s remarks come amid widespread economic hardship in Nigeria, with Atiku earlier describing Tinubu’s absence as a "disturbing vacuum of political leadership." The exchange highlights ongoing scrutiny of presidential travel rules and the political opposition’s focus on governance presence during national challenges. Citizens should know that, according to Abati, the president’s trip remains within legal limits, the Vice President was abroad at the same time, and no formal handover of power has occurred.