ADC slams Tinubu over excessive foreign travels amid national crises

(DDM) – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has sharply criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it describes as an “excessive foreign travel culture,” asserting that the president has been absent from Nigeria for nearly one quarter of his tenure.

According to a statement from ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, President Tinubu has made over 40 international trips in just 26 months in office, spending approximately 181 days abroad, a record unprecedented among recent Nigerian and African leaders.

The party emphasised that these frequent foreign travels come at a time when Nigeria is grappling with worsening insecurity, deepening poverty, and a rising epidemic of child malnutrition, leaving critical domestic problems inadequately addressed.

ADC also pointed out that Tinubu has visited more foreign countries than Nigerian states, having been to only 13 out of the 36 states since assuming office.

“This frequent flier presidency starkly contrasts with ground realities.

Every day, about 30 Nigerians lose their lives due to insecurity, millions endure economic hardship, and children suffer malnutrition.

Yet, the president seems more focused on foreign engagements than urgent national challenges,” the statement read.

ADC questioned the tangible benefits of these trips, labelling them as “wasteful” given the billions of naira reportedly spent without clear economic or diplomatic returns.

The party further warned that the president’s recent week-long absence from public view, which sparked rumours regarding his health, could undermine investor confidence and embolden Nigeria’s adversaries.

ADC proposed that appointing more ambassadors and empowering diplomatic missions abroad would reduce the necessity for Tinubu to attend every foreign meeting personally, noting that agreements fostered during such visits require sustained follow-up by diplomatic representatives.

Underlining its stance, the ADC stated that Nigeria “deserves a president who is present” and urged President Tinubu to shift his focus more towards governance within the country instead of treating his presidency like a “part-time job.”

This criticism follows reports detailing Tinubu’s foreign travel records since his May 29, 2023 inauguration.

Analyses indicate he has made about 36 to 40 trips abroad, including visits across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas, attending summits such as the G20, United Nations General Assembly, and regional economic meetings, alongside bilateral engagements.

Tinubu’s defenders highlight that these trips have attracted over $50 billion in foreign direct investments to Nigeria and helped strengthen diplomatic ties.

However, critics argue that the impact of these travels has yet to significantly alleviate Nigeria’s pressing social and security challenges.

The ongoing debate highlights the tension between pursuing robust international diplomacy and ensuring hands-on management of Nigeria’s internal affairs, especially amid economic struggles and security threats.

The ADC’s call for a more grounded presidency resonates with citizens concerned about governance and stability at home.