President Bola Tinubu has postponed his return to Nigeria following a last-minute change to his travel plans, with his arrival now expected on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, according to sources familiar with his itinerary.

Tinubu had been expected to return to the country on Sunday after spending several weeks in Europe on a working vacation. The reason for the latest change in his travel plans has not been disclosed.

The President left Nigeria on August 30 for London, where he began a three-week working vacation as part of his annual leave. He later travelled to Paris, France, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.

On September 21, the Presidency announced that Tinubu had extended his stay abroad by a few days and would return to Nigeria at the weekend. It said the President remained in contact with officials at home and continued to direct government affairs while away.

The latest adjustment means Tinubu is now expected to return through Lagos, where he is expected to remain for several days before travelling to Abuja.

Reports citing presidential sources also indicate that he is expected to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary in Lagos on October 1.

Tinubu’s Absence Sparks Constitutional DebateThe President’s prolonged stay abroad has generated public debate over the constitutional procedure for transferring presidential functions when the President is away from the country.

Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution provides that when the President proceeds on vacation or is otherwise unable to discharge his functions, he is to transmit a written declaration to the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives, after which the Vice-President performs the functions of President in an acting capacity.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has, however, said there is no vacancy in Aso Rock and maintained that Tinubu remains in charge of the country’s affairs despite his absence from Nigeria.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima had represented the President at some official functions during his absence before travelling to New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

The Presidency said the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, would also continue to represent the President at some events.