15 Days Abroad and Still No Sign: Nigerians Grow Restless Over Tinubu’s Whereabouts, Where Is The President?

 

Fifteen days have slipped by since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu boarded a flight from Nigeria to the Caribbean nation of St. Lucia. Initially described as a private visit, his trip was quietly noted by state officials, lacking the usual pomp and detail Nigerians have come to expect from presidential travel announcements. Since then, uncertainty has taken root, and it has deepened with each passing day.

The BRICS Summit, which was widely anticipated as a potential stage for diplomatic engagement and global cooperation, concluded four days ago without any visible sign of Tinubu's involvement. Despite mounting curiosity from both the local press and the international community, no official images, statements, or confirmations have emerged to clarify his location or his activities abroad.

Citizens across the country are now voicing their frustration, asking one question in rising unison: Where is President Tinubu?

The President's absence is being felt beyond the headlines. With critical economic issues, national security concerns, and regional unrest continuing to evolve within the country, many Nigerians feel the silence from the Presidency borders on neglect. From Lagos to Kano, from Abuja to Port Harcourt, the streets echo with a mix of confusion, anxiety, and growing anger.

At motor parks and university campuses, in markets and newspaper kiosks, speculation runs wild. Some believe the trip was medically motivated, reviving old conversations about the health of Nigeria’s leaders. Others suspect political maneuvering, perhaps a hush-hush meeting with international actors. A handful dismiss the tension altogether, confident that everything will soon be explained. But explanations have yet to come.

A spokesperson from the Presidency made a brief comment earlier this week, reiterating that the President is “resting” and that Nigerians should expect him “shortly.” No specific date was offered, and questions at the media briefing were deflected rather than answered. That lack of clarity has only fueled more unrest, especially on social media, where hashtags like #WhereIsTinubu and #ReturnOurPresident are now trending across platforms.

The timing of this mystery could not be worse. The economy is straining under inflation, the Naira’s fluctuations remain severe, and the fuel subsidy removal continues to bite hard at the average citizen’s pocket. Policy decisions demand direction. Leadership presence, or even just voice, is crucial in this moment of national uncertainty.

Political analysts are calling on the Presidency to address the public with more transparency. Dr. Amina Yusuf, a political scientist at the University of Jos, stated in a radio interview that “democracy is not just about elections; it is about accountability, and accountability includes keeping citizens informed about the President’s location and capacity to govern.”

This situation has also created fertile ground for opposition parties to criticize the ruling APC government. Leaders from the Labour Party and the PDP have issued statements condemning the silence, demanding immediate clarity, and warning against what they term “executive absenteeism.”

International observers have remained mostly silent, although diplomatic circles in Abuja are reportedly beginning to inquire quietly about the President’s status. With no new photos, no social media updates, and no verified sightings, the void left behind continues to grow, as does public discontent.

Religious leaders and civil society groups are also beginning to step in. In a Friday sermon in Ilorin, one prominent Imam noted that “a shepherd must never disappear without speaking to his flock,” a metaphor that did not require much unpacking for his audience.

Should the silence persist, and should the Presidency refuse to offer more than vague reassurances, Nigeria could be headed toward a renewed crisis of confidence in leadership. The stakes are high, and the demand for answers is no longer a polite request. It is an urgent call echoing through the nation.

Fifteen days have passed. Four days since the BRICS Summit ended. No proof of presence, no sign of return. The only certainty in this moment is the growing unrest among Nigerians, who are now asking with louder voices: Where is Tinubu?