ADC: Tinubu’s Silence Is an Insult to Nigerians

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has formally welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu back to the country following his foreign engagements but has raised serious concerns over his unexplained five-day absence after attending the 2025 BRICS Summit in Brazil.

In a statement on Sunday, signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bola Abdullahi, the opposition party criticized the President’s lack of communication and accountability during the period he remained out of public view.

It warned that such conduct undermines public trust in governance.

President Tinubu had departed Abuja on June 28, 2025, beginning his international trip with a state visit to Saint Lucia.

There he participated in events marking the Caribbean nation’s 45th Independence Anniversary.

His visit also aimed at strengthening South-South cooperation and diplomatic relations.

From Saint Lucia, the President proceeded to Brazil, where he participated in the 2025 BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 to 7.

However, after the conclusion of the summit, he did not return to Nigeria until the early hours of Sunday, July 13, five full days later.

There with no formal explanation or briefing provided to the public.

ADC Questions Presidential Silence

Reacting to the development, the ADC expressed deep concern over the President’s prolonged silence, describing the absence as both avoidable and disrespectful to Nigerians.

“The African Democratic Congress extends a weary welcome to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finally returning to the country, five days after the BRICS Summit ended in Brazil,” the statement read.

“It is troubling that while other world leaders promptly returned to their countries and resumed national duties, President Tinubu remained unaccounted for, without issuing any statement or providing updates to Nigerians.”

The party emphasized that five days is a significant stretch of time in a nation grappling with serious challenges such as insecurity, economic instability, and widespread hardship.

It insisted that as an elected leader on official duty, the President owes the nation a detailed explanation for the unexplained gap.

Pattern of Unexplained Absences

The ADC also noted a troubling trend of unexplained disappearances by the President during previous international trips.

It recalled that this was not the first time Nigerians had been left in the dark regarding the President’s whereabouts or activities during overseas engagements.

“In January 2024, the President reportedly undertook a ‘private visit’ to France, only to remain out of public sight for two weeks with no photo evidence or official communication,” the party said.

It continued: “Again in April 2024, after attending the World Economic Forum in Riyadh, there was no word from him for nine days—until May 8.

Then in August 2024, after engagements in Beijing, he resurfaced in London on September 11 after a six-day absence without explanation.”

The ADC further pointed out that these absences not only violate public accountability but also feed damaging speculation and uncertainty within the polity.

Call for Presidential Accountability

According to the party, the President’s recurring silence during critical periods calls into question his commitment to transparency and responsible leadership.

“A leader who regularly vanishes without notice or clarity cannot in good faith demand sacrifice and patience from the citizens,” the statement noted.

The ADC stressed that the presidency is a public office and must operate with openness and integrity, especially in times of national difficulty.

“It is not too much for Nigerians to ask for timely briefings and clear updates.

The lack of transparency creates a vacuum that invites rumor, fear, and distrust, not just at home, but also among our international partners.”

ADC Urges National Assembly to Step In

The party called on the National Assembly to assert its constitutional role in ensuring executive accountability.

It urged lawmakers to demand clarity on the President’s foreign travel protocols and reporting obligations.

“It is time for the legislature to rise to its duty and insist that all future trips by the President, official or private, are properly documented, reported, and accounted for,” the statement concluded.

As public scrutiny grows over the President’s handling of international trips, many Nigerians are echoing the ADC’s demand for greater transparency in leadership.

With multiple challenges facing the country, the need for visible, accountable governance has never been more urgent.

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