The Nigerian public and political observers are raising questions over the unexplained silence from the Presidency regarding the current whereabouts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following his participation in the recently concluded 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
President Tinubu had embarked on a two-nation diplomatic tour beginning June 28, 2025, with official visits to Saint Lucia and Brazil. His presence at the BRICS Summit was marked by a strong call for global financial restructuring, climate justice, and inclusive healthcare reform, positioning Nigeria as a proactive voice in the Global South.
However, since the summit’s conclusion on July 7, no official statement has been issued detailing the President’s post-summit itinerary or confirming his return to Nigeria. This lack of communication has sparked concern and speculation across social media and political circles.
Paul Ibe, spokesperson to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, publicly questioned the President’s whereabouts, noting that “mum is the word” from the Presidency. He remarked on X (formerly Twitter), “Is it possible that the Nigerian President’s aircraft is passing through a zone where time is standing still?”
The absence of updates has led to growing calls for transparency from the Presidency, with citizens and stakeholders urging officials to clarify the President’s status and reassure the nation.