The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reveal his current location, raising concerns about the President’s continued absence from Nigeria nearly five days after the conclusion of the BRICS summit held in Russia.
In a statement released on Saturday, July 13, 2025, the ADC questioned why President Tinubu had not returned to the country following the international summit in Kazan, Russia, which ended on Tuesday, July 9. The party expressed concern over what it described as a growing pattern of secrecy surrounding the President’s international movements and prolonged stays abroad.
The party’s National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, issued the statement demanding transparency regarding Tinubu’s current location. He criticized the lack of official communication from the Presidency and accused the administration of withholding crucial information from the public.
According to Nwosu, the President’s disappearance from the public eye following such an important international engagement is unacceptable. He argued that Nigerians have a right to know the whereabouts of their elected leader, especially given the mounting social and economic issues facing the country.
Nwosu further stated that the prolonged silence from the Presidency contributes to uncertainty in governance and undermines public confidence. He warned that such opacity could lead to increased speculation, rumors, and potential instability.
The ADC leader pointed to previous instances where Tinubu’s travel details and length of stay abroad were unclear or left unexplained, suggesting a consistent pattern that raises questions about accountability. He criticized what he described as a “monarchical attitude” among public officials, particularly those surrounding the President, and accused them of treating the Nigerian state like a personal fiefdom.
The ADC also referenced the country’s current state of affairs, noting the worsening economic crisis, security concerns, and widespread hardship facing millions of Nigerians. In this context, the party said, the President’s absence is particularly alarming and called on him to return to the country immediately to attend to pressing national matters.
The party demanded that Tinubu, or the Presidency, issue a formal statement explaining his current whereabouts and his plans for returning to Nigeria. It emphasized that such communication is critical for maintaining transparency and public trust.
The BRICS summit, which took place in Kazan from July 8 to 9, was attended by leaders and representatives from several developing economies including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Nigeria had received an invitation to participate in the 2025 edition of the summit, marking a significant development in its foreign policy engagement with the global South.
President Tinubu was confirmed to have attended the event, representing Nigeria in discussions focused on economic cooperation, sustainable development, and multipolar global governance. His presence was acknowledged by both Nigerian and Russian officials at the summit.
However, since the summit concluded, there has been no official update from the Nigerian government about the President’s return schedule or his current location. The lack of updates has led to growing criticism from opposition parties and civic groups.
The ADC’s demand follows similar calls by political analysts and commentators who have raised concerns over the government’s communication practices. They argue that in a democratic setting, citizens should not be kept in the dark about the activities of their elected leaders.
As of Sunday evening, July 14, there had been no response from the Presidency regarding the ADC’s statement. It remains unclear whether Tinubu has extended his stay abroad for medical reasons, diplomatic consultations, or personal engagements, as no explanation has been officially provided.
The situation continues to draw attention, with many Nigerians expressing unease over what they perceive as a lack of transparency. The ADC insists that the President must account to the Nigerian people and uphold the principles of democratic governance.
