The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to travel to Europe at a time of escalating security challenges in Nigeria, describing the move as “insensitive and alarming.”
Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC spokesperson, issued the condemnation in a statement titled ‘PBAT’s Lack of Care Scary’, posted on his official X account on Sunday. Abdullahi argued that the President’s foreign trip comes at a particularly troubling time for the nation, which is facing renewed insecurity and public anxiety.
“In the wake of yet another deadly bomb blast in Zamfara, to which the President has not said a single word; on the back of an unprecedented foreign military attack on Nigerian soil; right in the middle of all the uncertainty it has provoked; with a confused and scared nation waiting for the President to speak to us and assure us that all is well, the next thing we hear is that the President has gone on holiday. What a President,” the ADC statement read.
Abdullahi highlighted that Nigerians were still awaiting reassurance from the President when news of his Europe trip emerged. He noted that the President’s silence on critical national security issues, coupled with his absence from the country, raises serious questions about leadership responsiveness during a time of national distress.
The security concerns in Nigeria have intensified over the past few weeks. In Zamfara State, a bomb blast reportedly claimed lives and heightened fears among residents, while the United States carried out a military strike against suspected terrorists in Nigerian territory, an action that stirred both public debate and concern about the state’s ability to protect its citizens. These incidents have amplified anxiety across the country, particularly in areas already vulnerable to insurgency and criminal attacks.
Critics, including the ADC, argue that the President’s absence during such a critical period undermines public confidence in the government’s capacity to manage security challenges. Abdullahi described the President’s actions as a “failure to provide leadership when the nation needs it most,” and warned that the public could perceive this as a lack of care for citizens’ safety.
President Bola Tinubu had departed Lagos for Europe ahead of his scheduled official visit to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates for the Sustainability Week (ADSW 2026) Summit. The invitation to the summit was extended by the UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The week-long summit brings together global leaders from government, business, and civil society to discuss strategies for advancing sustainable development worldwide.
While the summit aims to provide an international platform for dialogue on sustainability, critics argue that the timing of Tinubu’s departure is problematic, coming amid domestic crises. They stress that while participation in international forums is important for Nigeria’s global standing, national security should take precedence during moments of heightened threat to citizens’ lives.
The ADC spokesman further criticized what he described as a pattern of presidential silence on urgent national matters. He suggested that citizens expect leadership to prioritize reassurance and swift action, especially in response to violent attacks and other emergencies. “A President who is silent while citizens are in danger sends the wrong message about commitment to national security,” Abdullahi said.
The criticism of Tinubu’s Europe trip also reflects broader concerns about leadership accountability in Nigeria. Observers note that when heads of state are absent during times of crisis, it can exacerbate public fear, fuel speculation, and create a perception of government inaction. For many Nigerians, reassurance from the highest office is as critical as operational security measures.
The Sustainability Week Summit, scheduled for early January, carries the theme ‘The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go’ and focuses on linking ambition with action across innovation, finance, and human capital. While Nigeria’s participation could enhance its role in global sustainable development initiatives, critics argue that national security concerns should not be overshadowed by international engagements.
Abdullahi’s criticism aligns with growing demands from civil society and opposition groups for increased transparency and proactive communication from the presidency regarding security issues. Many Nigerians have expressed frustration at perceived delays or silence from the government following terrorist attacks, bombings, and other violent incidents across the country.
The ADC’s statement concludes by urging the President to prioritize domestic security concerns and to communicate promptly with Nigerians during times of crisis. Abdullahi stressed that while participation in international events is important, it should not come at the expense of national safety and citizen reassurance.
“This is a time when every Nigerian expects leadership at home. International summits cannot replace the need to calm a frightened nation, address immediate threats, and demonstrate that the government is in control,” he said.
The controversy surrounding Tinubu’s Europe trip is likely to continue generating debate across political, social, and media platforms. It underscores the challenges facing the administration in balancing international obligations with domestic responsibilities, particularly in times of heightened security threats.
While the Sustainability Week Summit offers Nigeria an opportunity to engage with global leaders on sustainability and development, the timing of the President’s departure has sparked questions about priorities and governance during a period of national uncertainty.