The Labour Party (LP) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his recent trip to Europe, describing it as insensitive given the worsening security situation across parts of Nigeria.
The party’s Acting National Chairman, Nenadi Usman, said the President’s decision to travel at a time when the country is grappling with violent attacks and humanitarian challenges showed a lack of empathy for affected Nigerians.
“Ill-Timed and Insensitive” — LP
In a statement, Usman argued that the President should have remained in the country to personally coordinate security responses and engage relevant agencies.
“This is the most inauspicious time for the President to leave the country. Even the Christmas holiday in Lagos seemed ill-timed, given that a bomb explosion occurred in Zamfara, killing several people,” she said.
According to her, Nigeria is facing serious security threats, which she described as external attacks, accusing the federal government of downplaying the gravity of the situation.
Security Engagements Questioned
Usman further criticised what she described as the President’s limited engagement with the nation’s security architecture, alleging that no major security meetings had been convened following recent U.S.-led airstrikes on terrorist camps in Sokoto and Kwara states.
She also condemned what she termed a lack of visible coordination with military leadership amid escalating security concerns.
Context of Tinubu’s Trip
President Tinubu had earlier departed Lagos for Europe ahead of an official visit to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where he is expected to attend the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026 Summit at the invitation of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The trip comes at a time of heightened insecurity, including a deadly bomb blast in Zamfara State and reports of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) airstrikes targeting terrorist camps in Sokoto State on Christmas Day—an operation Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged hours later.
Ongoing Debate
The Labour Party’s remarks have added to growing public debate over leadership presence, crisis management, and the role of international cooperation in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency has not issued a specific response to the criticisms raised by the Labour Party.
Related: Nigerian Government Confirms US Airstrikes on Terrorist Hideouts in North-West
