The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken a swipe at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing him of maintaining an “excessive foreign travel culture” and neglecting pressing domestic issues.
In a statement released on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party alleged that Tinubu had embarked on his 40th international trip in just 26 months, spending a total of 181 days outside the country — a record the ADC describes as unprecedented among Nigerian and African leaders in recent history.
According to the ADC, these travels come at a time when the nation is grappling with worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and a growing crisis of child malnutrition. The party noted that the president has visited more foreign countries than Nigerian states since taking office, touring only 13 out of the 36 states.
“This frequent flier presidency stands in stark contrast to the realities at home,” the statement read. “While an average of 30 Nigerians are killed daily due to insecurity, millions face economic hardship, and children suffer malnutrition, the president appears to prioritise foreign engagements over urgent domestic needs.”
The party further questioned the economic value of the trips, describing them as “wasteful” given the billions of naira allegedly spent without visible gains. It also warned that Tinubu’s recent week-long absence from public view — which stirred speculation about his health — could dent investor confidence and embolden Nigeria’s adversaries.
As a solution, the ADC advised the president to make better use of appointed ambassadors to represent the country abroad, stressing that such arrangements could save costs while ensuring continuity in diplomatic engagements.
Reiterating its position, the party stated: “Nigeria deserves a president who is present, not one who treats the role like a part-time job.”
