The media team of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu over what it described as his failure to attend key project inaugurations during his recent visit to Lagos.
In a statement released on Thursday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the Atiku camp expressed concern over the President’s absence from several major public engagements scheduled during the trip.
“It is troubling and unacceptable that, despite embarking on a two-day working visit to Lagos State, the President failed to make meaningful public appearances at key project unveilings.
“The increasingly disturbing pattern of absentee leadership exhibited by the President raises serious questions about his commitment to the responsibilities entrusted to him by the Nigerian people,” the statement read.
The group specifically pointed to the commissioning of the Opebi–Mende–Ojota Link Bridge and the inauguration of a Multi-Agency Complex, both of which were handled by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on behalf of the President.
According to the statement, Tinubu’s decision to delegate these functions raises concerns about accountability and active leadership at a time of pressing national issues.
“At a time when Nigeria is grappling with worsening insecurity and other national challenges, such absence at critical state functions is both alarming and unacceptable,” it added.
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The Atiku camp also referenced the President’s recent visit to Jos, describing it as unusually brief.
“In the aftermath of a devastating terrorist attack, he spent barely ten minutes at the Jos Airport before departing—an act widely perceived as dismissive of the gravity of the tragedy,” the statement said.
It further argued that the explanation from the President’s media team—that he travelled to Lagos for official duties—now appears unconvincing.
“Since his arrival in Lagos, the President has remained largely confined to his private residence, with little to no visible engagement in the activities meant to validate the so-called working visit,” the statement added.
While acknowledging his presence at the commissioning of the Iperu Airport in Ogun State, the group described the outing as insufficient given the number of missed engagements.
The camp concluded by urging the President to show greater commitment to his duties.
“Leadership is not a ceremonial privilege; it is a solemn duty. The office of the President demands presence, responsiveness, and an unwavering sense of responsibility. Anything less would amount to a grave disservice to the Nigerian people,” the statement added.
However, the President’s Special Adviser on Public Communications and Orientation, Sunday Dare, had earlier defended his absence, stating that Tinubu was engaged in urgent national security matters.
Speaking on Channels Television, Dare said, “Yes, the President is in Lagos, and I’m sure beyond the pictures, you know that the President has been busy with state matters.”
He added that recent security developments across parts of the country required the President’s full attention.
“You will know the last 10 days, right from the attack in Jos, we’ve seen the developments,” he said.