Former Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, has taken a swipe at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his recent trip to Europe for a 10-day working vacation, calling him a “vacation president” produced by the controversial 2023 elections.
President Tinubu left Abuja on Wednesday, September 4, for a working vacation in Europe as part of his 2025 annual leave, according to a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. The President is expected to spend time in France and the United Kingdom before returning to Nigeria.
Reacting to the trip, Dalung took to his official X (formerly Twitter) page on Thursday, expressing concern about what he described as poor leadership at a time when Nigeria is facing rising insecurity and economic hardship.
In his words, “This is the tragic outcome of INEC’s so-called technical glitches — a conspiracy that has produced a vacation president whose idea of a social contract with Nigerians is sheer entitlement.”
He continued, “At a time of escalating insecurity, Tinubu chooses leisure in Europe while the nation drifts. Nigeria is on autopilot, navigating turbulence with clueless, sleeping pilots. Lord, have mercy on this country.”
Dalung’s comments refer to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) handling of the 2023 general elections, which faced widespread criticism. The commission had admitted to “technical glitches” during the transmission of presidential election results — a development that sparked outrage from opposition parties and civil society organisations.
The former minister, who served under President Muhammadu Buhari, suggested that the election outcome has led to a situation where the country is being led by someone who does not take national responsibilities seriously.
President Tinubu’s vacation comes amid growing complaints from Nigerians about worsening security challenges, high cost of living, and the continued fall of the naira. Recent attacks in parts of the North have raised fears among citizens, with many calling on the government to do more to protect lives and property.
Dalung’s remarks reflect the growing frustration among some political figures and members of the public who feel that the President should be more present and responsive during such critical times.
The Presidency, however, maintains that the President’s trip is both necessary and official, stressing that he remains committed to the country’s development even while away.
This is not the first time President Tinubu has travelled abroad since assuming office in May 2023. While some of these trips have been for diplomatic and economic engagements, critics argue that the frequency and timing of his foreign travels do not reflect the urgency of challenges facing the nation.
