JUST IN: Tinubu ends working vacation, departs Paris for Lagos

President Bola Tinubu has ended his working vacation in France and departed Paris for Lagos, where he is expected to hold meetings with political leaders and associates ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President’s aircraft is expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos later in the day.

Tinubu departed Abuja on August 30 for his working vacation. He spent about a week in London before proceeding to Paris, where he continued with official and other engagements.

The Presidency said Tinubu opted to return to Nigeria through Lagos to honour the memory of the late Chief MKO Abiola, the winner of the June 1993 presidential election and a prominent figure in Nigeria’s democratic struggle.

The President is expected to attend the premiere of a film on Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, on October 1, Nigeria’s Independence Day.

The statement said Tinubu would also hold meetings with political leaders and associates during his stay in Lagos.

“While in Lagos, President Tinubu will also hold strategic meetings with political leaders and associates over several days in preparation for the 2027 elections,” the statement read.

During his working vacation, Tinubu held a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.

He also met business leaders, including Vincent Bolloré of the Bolloré Group, whose interests include media and digital businesses such as Canal+, MultiChoice and Universal Music Group.

On Monday, the President met with Femi Otedola, Chairman of First Holdings.

Tinubu also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ogun State Government and DP World for the proposed development of a Gateway Deep Seaport in Ogun Waterside and the establishment of a Blue Marine Economic Zone.

The Presidency said DP World, a global ports and logistics operator, plans to invest $7 billion in the proposed seaport and economic zone.

After completing his engagements in Lagos, Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja.