Bashir Ahmad backs Tinubu over reported cancellation of Macron’s Nigeria visit

Bashir Ahmad, a former aide to late President Muhammadu Buhari, has backed President Bola Tinubu over the reported cancellation of French President Emmanuel Macron’s planned visit to Nigeria ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Ahmad described Tinubu’s reported concern that Macron’s visit could trigger allegations of foreign interference in Nigeria’s electoral process as the right decision.

He made the remark in a post on X on Friday.

“Mr Tinubu also reportedly expressed concern that Mr Macron’s visit, about three months before the Nigerian presidential election, could invite accusations of foreign influence. That’s a right step,” Ahmad wrote.

The remark followed a Premium Times report that Macron had cancelled his state visit to Nigeria, initially scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, amid concerns over protests in France, Nigeria’s forthcoming presidential election and a new Ebola case.

According to the newspaper, Nigerian sources familiar with the planned visit said Macron and Tinubu agreed on Thursday to cancel the trip.

Macron was reportedly concerned that travelling to Nigeria amid ongoing demonstrations in France could be perceived as insensitive, as the protests had resulted in school closures, looting and clashes between demonstrators and security operatives.

The reported cancellation comes months before Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, in which Tinubu is seeking re-election.