Tinubu completes working holiday in France, heads to Lagos for meetings ahead of 2027

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has completed his working holiday in France and departed Paris for Lagos, where he is scheduled to meet with political leaders and colleagues as preparations for the 2027 elections gain momentum.

The President left Abuja on August 30 and initially spent a week in London before continuing on to Paris as part of a working holiday.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s plane is expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos on Tuesday evening.

The Presidency said the President’s decision to make his first trip to Lagos was also linked to his plans to honor the memory of the late Chief MKO Abiola, who won the June 1993 presidential election and was a prominent figure in Nigeria’s democratic struggle.

Tinubu is expected to attend the premiere of a film commemorating Abiola on October 1 at the Wole Soyinka National Theater in Iganmu, Lagos.

In addition to the commemorative event, the President is expected to use his stay in Lagos for a series of political consultations.

The Presidency said he would meet with political leaders and colleagues in the days leading up to the 2027 election cycle.

“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.

Tinubu’s engagements in France included a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as meetings with prominent figures in the business sector.

Among those he met was Vincent Bolloré of the Bolloré Group, whose business interests in the media and digital sectors include Canal+, MultiChoice and Universal Music Group.

The President also met with businessman Femi Otedola, Chairman of First Holdings, on Monday.

Earlier this week, Tinubu witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ogun State Government and DP World for the development of the Gateway deep sea port at Ogun Waterside.

The agreement also includes plans to establish a Blue Sea Economic Zone in the area.

The presidency described DP World as one of the world’s leading port and logistics operators and said the company plans to commit $7 billion to the proposed seaport and economic zone.

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