NEWS
Tinubu’s Record 40th International Trip in 26 Months Disturbing, Says ADC
By Mike Odiakose, Abuja
Opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as an “excessive foreign travel culture” that has left him absent from the country for nearly a quarter of his presidency. In a statement by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, the party noted that President Tinubu has spent about 181 days abroad since assuming office 26 months ago and this latest trip is the 40th in 26 months, a new record for any Nigerian or African leader in recent memory.
The party describes the trips as wasteful, in the absence of any tangible economic or diplomatic gains from the president’s previous travels, and also disturbing as it fuels potentially damaging rumours.”The African Democratic Congress (ADC) wishes to once again draw the attention of all Nigerians to the alarming frequency with which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is absent from the country, at a time when leadership at home is needed more than ever.”Today, President Tinubu will depart Abuja for yet another foreign tour. By public records, this will be the President’s 40th foreign trip since assuming office, spending a cumulative total of around 181 days abroad, the equivalent of almost six full months. “This means that in the 26 months he has been President, nearly 25 percent of his time has been spent outside the country. “During this trip, President Tinubu is on track to make his 41st international stop before setting foot in most Nigerian states. “Since inauguration, President Tinubu has only visited 13 out of 36 States, but has visited more foreign countries during the same period. This is not good. “Moreso, considering that there are no real economic gains for the junkets despite the billions of Naira spent per day and per trip.”Set against the growing insecurity that claims the lives of an average 30 Nigerian each day, and widespread poverty that have left majority of citizens in misery, this frequent flier presidency stands in stark contrast and as a testament to a government that no longer cares what the people think or feel. “From Benue to Zamfara and other parts of our country, taxes are being imposed by bandits, citizens are being slaughtered in their homes, millions are facing economic hardship and the population of malnourished children has continued to grow. “Nigerians expect their President to be on ground to provide leadership, empathy, and direction. “However, it would appear that the President thinks that there are more serious problems for him to solve outside the country or he believes the solutions to the many troubles we face at home could actually be found on these trips abroad. “It is important to note that since August 1, 2025, the President had disappeared from public view for more than a week. This had sparked widespread rumours that the President was sick. “Fortunately, the presidency issued a statement, assuring the nation that the President is as fit as a fiddle. But this is not enough. “Rumour of a sick president, or even mere conversations that could raise doubts about the state of the President’s health are potentially damaging to the economy, could discourage potential investors, further embolden our enemies. “Therefore, it is not good enough to say the President was working hard from home or from any secret hideouts. “Whenever a president drops out of sight without an explanation, it gives rise to all kinds of damaging rumours. And a one-day cameo appearance that looked stage-managed, followed immediately by yet another foreign trip, without a clearly stated date of return is not going to help in quelling such rumours. “Perhaps, if the President had heeded our persistent call to him to appoint ambassadors he would not have a need to accept every invitations or to personally attend every meeting. “For avoidance of doubts, all these meetings, even with the best of intentions, are not likely to yield any real benefits to Nigeria without ambassadors to follow up on agreements reached. “In this regard, the ADC wishes to reiterate that: Nigeria deserves a President who is present. While millions of our citizens are suffering, our leaders cannot afford to treat governance like a part-time job.’
In a bold demonstration of renewed strategic resolve to stamp out insurgency and restore enduring peace to the North East, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Nigerian Army Medal, today 6 November 2025, embarked on his maiden operational visit to the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East (NE), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) Theatre, Maiduguri, Borno State.
The visit, in line with the directive of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, underscores the Nigerian Army’s reinvigorated drive to consolidate on the gains made in the counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations towards total annihilation of terrorists in the NE.
Addressing troops at the Maimalari Military Cantonment, Lieutenant General Shaibu charged the trooos to sustain relentless pressure on the remnants of insurgents until total victory is achieved. He emphasized the imperative of decisively dealing with the insurgents to ensure normalcy in the region, while creating enabling atmosphere for socio-economic recovery and normalcy across the North East.
The Army Chief, who was on ground to assess the operational readiness of formations and units, reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to providing the necessary platforms, logistics and welfare incentives to enhance troop morale and combat efficiency. He pledged to uphold and strengthen the Soldier-First concept of his predecessor, ensuring the welfare of troops remain too priority, as he emphasized fairness, justice, professionalism and the strategic deployment of competent personnel to mission-critical assignments.
According to him, “The Nigerian Army under my command will leave no stone unturned, we will pursue this fight with renewed energy, clear focus and absolute dedication to end this menace once and for all.” he averred.
The COAS also paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji (Dr) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi, CFR, where he solicited continued prayers, intelligence support and cooperation from traditional institutions and citizens to complement ongoing military operations. He further assured the royal father of the Army’s capability and resolve to restore enduring peace and stability across Borno State and the wider North East corridor.
In his remarks, the Shehu of Borno commended the Nigerian Army for its gallantry, sacrifices, and humanitarian interventions, particularly during the flooding incidents, which he noted, the humanitarian services rendered can never be forgotten by the people. He lauded the Army’s efforts in restoring normalcy in the state, noting that no single Local Government Area in the state is presently under the control of terrorist elements. The monarch further pledged continued support through credible intelligence sharing and moral backing to ensure the total defeat of insurgency.
Highlights of the visit included an operational briefing at the Theatre Command Headquarters, commissioning of the Heroes Transit Accommodation at Maimalari Cantonment, groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of 4 x 30-family Corporal and Below quarters, inspection of combat platforms and visits to wounded-in-action personnel at the 7 Division Military Hospital and Services, as well as frontline troops deployed at Bama and adjoining sectors.
The visit marks a new phase in the Nigerian Army’s counterinsurgency posture, reflecting the COAS’s determination to recalibrate operational strategies and strengthen the force’s combat effectiveness towards restoring peace and stability in the region.
From Muhammad Muhammad Al-amin, Maiduguri
The newly appointed Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu has embarked on an operational visit to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, as part of efforts to evaluate ongoing security operations and motivate troops in the North East.
On arrival at the Maiduguri Air Force Base, Shaibu was received by the Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, along with other senior military officers. During the visit, the Army Chief is scheduled to commission several developmental projects within the Theatre Command and receive comprehensive briefings from sector commanders on the current security situation in the region. He will also address frontline troops to commend their efforts and encourage renewed commitment in the fight against insurgency.The visit marks Shaibu’s first official engagement since his appointment by President Bola Tinubu as Chief of Army Staff, succeeding Lieutenant General O. Oluyede, who now serves as Chief of Defence Staff.As a former Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, General Shaibu is expected to draw on his extensive experience in the North East to further strengthen military operations and consolidate gains made in the fight against terrorism.
From Ayinde Akintade, Osogbo
Ahead of the 2027 general election, Sen. Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi representing Osun East Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industries, held strategic meetings with key political figures to discuss the party’s roadmap and President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
According to, Fadahunsi’s Head of Media and Public Enlightenment, Omole Oluwasegun Omo-Osodi, in a press statement in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, Fadahunsi met with Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, immediate past governor of Osun State and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy. The meeting focused on strengthening the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun, the implementation of the Electoral Act, the upcoming general election, and continuous voter’s registration efforts.Expressing admiration for Oyetola’s leadership, Fadahunsi said, “I commend our leader, HE Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, for his exemplary leadership and dedication.”They also discussed the forthcoming Osun governorship election, with confidence that the party primaries will be peaceful and that all aspirants will abide by party rules.Fadahunsi called on all party aspirants to maintain peace and decorum in their campaigns, commending their conduct so far: “I sincerely commend all our party aspirants for their peaceful campaigns and respect for party regulations.”In addition, Senator Fadahunsi visited Senator Sai’du Ahmed Alkali, Minister of Transport, and Honorable Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation, urging their support for President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.
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