ADC Accuses Tinubu of Spending Quarter of Presidency Abroad

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it calls an “excessive foreign travel culture,” alleging that the president has spent nearly a quarter of his time in office outside Nigeria.

In a statement on Wednesday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, claimed Tinubu has embarked on 40 international trips in 26 months, spending around 181 days abroad — a record it says is unmatched among Nigerian and African leaders in recent history.

The ADC said the president’s travel schedule contrasts sharply with Nigeria’s pressing challenges, including worsening insecurity, growing poverty, and rising child malnutrition. It noted that Tinubu has visited more foreign nations than Nigerian states, having been to only 13 of the 36 states since taking office.

“While an average of 30 Nigerians are killed daily due to insecurity and millions face economic hardship, the president appears to prioritise foreign engagements over urgent domestic needs,” the party said.

Questioning the value of the trips, the ADC described them as “wasteful,” alleging that billions of naira have been spent without visible economic or diplomatic returns. It also warned that Tinubu’s recent week-long absence, which stirred speculation about his health, could undermine investor confidence and embolden the country’s adversaries.

The party suggested greater reliance on ambassadors to represent Nigeria abroad, reducing the need for the president’s personal attendance at every meeting.

“Nigeria deserves a president who is present,” the ADC stated, urging Tinubu to devote more attention to domestic governance rather than treating the presidency “like a part-time job.”