The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has responded to opposition parties, specifically the African Democratic Congress (ADC), for criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s end-of-year trip to Europe.
In a statement released today, Monday, 29 December 2025, Lagos APC spokesperson Mogaji Seye Oladejo dismissed the opposition’s outcry as a “dance of ignorance,” asserting that physical borders do not limit modern governance.
The APC’s rebuttal was sharp, targeting the ADC’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, who had earlier labelled the President’s departure “insensitive” given the country’s current security climate.
Oladejo argued that in a highly interconnected world, serious leadership requires constant engagement with global partners and investors. “Nigeria is not governed from a village square,” the statement read.
The party maintained that the trip is “purposeful engagement” aimed at attracting investment and strengthening bilateral relations, rather than the “sightseeing excursion” suggested by critics.
The APC emphasized that the machinery of government remains in full motion through delegated authority and institutional strength, regardless of the President’s physical location.
The ADC and elements of the Labour Party (LP) had centered their criticism on two major events that occurred just before the President’s departure, a deadly explosion on a highway in Zamfara State that killed several travellers, and the recent precision strikes by the US military on ISIS-linked cells in Sokoto, which sparked a national debate over sovereignty and security.
“To hear that the President has gone on holiday while a confused and scared nation is waiting for him to speak… What a President!” – Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC National Publicity Secretary.
President Tinubu departed Lagos on Sunday, 28 December for a two-stage international engagement. As first stage, he is currently in Europe for an end-of-year break and private meetings. Stage two is touted as a UAE Official Visit, where from Europe, he will proceed to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, at the invitation of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The President is scheduled to participate in the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) Summit, themed “The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go,” starting in early January.
Of note, critics have continued to point to the frequency of presidential travels, while the Presidency defends them as essential for “Economic Diplomacy.”
