The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to provide a clear explanation to Nigerians regarding his unexplained disappearance for five days following the conclusion of the 2025 BRICS Summit in Brazil. Tinubu departed Nigeria on June 28, 2025, for a two-nation visit to St. Lucia and Brazil, where he attended the summit held in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 to 7.
While other world leaders returned promptly to their countries after the summit, briefing their citizens and resuming official duties, Tinubu’s whereabouts remained unknown until the early hours of Sunday, July 13, when he finally returned to Abuja. The Nigerian Presidency did not issue any statement or explanation during the five-day period of silence, prompting widespread speculation and concern.
In a statement released on Sunday, ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi extended a “weary welcome” to the president but emphasized the significance of the unexplained absence, especially given Nigeria’s pressing challenges, including insecurity and economic difficulties. Abdullahi said, “A whole five days is significant in the life of a country, especially a country like ours battling with several existential challenges.”
The ADC insists that since Tinubu was not on holiday during the trip, he owes Nigerians a duty to clarify where he was during those days and why the presidency failed to communicate his activities or status. The party’s statement highlighted that the president’s silence contrasts sharply with the transparency demonstrated by other global leaders who attended the summit.
This incident has reignited debates about presidential transparency and accountability in Nigeria, with calls for more timely communication regarding the movements and health of the nation’s leader. The ADC’s demand reflects growing public impatience over what it sees as a troubling pattern of unexplained absences by President Tinubu.
Tinubu’s return to Nigeria has ended the immediate uncertainty, but questions remain about the reasons behind the delay and the lack of official updates during the five-day gap. The ADC and many Nigerians await a full explanation to restore confidence in the presidency’s communication practices.