Former Kogi West Senator and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Dino Melaye, has taken a swipe at President Bola Tinubu over his decision to proceed on a three-week annual leave outside Nigeria.
Melaye questioned the length and timing of the President’s vacation, suggesting that Tinubu’s age was a factor behind the decision. The ADC figure made the remark while reacting to the announcement of the President’s trip to Europe.
The controversy followed a statement by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who confirmed that the President had left Abuja for Europe to commence his annual holiday.
According to Onanuga, Tinubu’s trip would begin in London, United Kingdom, where the President was scheduled to spend part of his vacation before proceeding with other aspects of his private trip.
The presidential aide explained that the break was part of Tinubu’s yearly leave arrangement.
The President is expected to return to Nigeria at the end of the three-week period, after which he would resume official duties and other political engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to the development in a post shared on his official X account, Melaye questioned whether a Nigerian president should be away from the country for such an extended period, particularly as political activities surrounding the next election continue to gather momentum.
The former lawmaker argued that Tinubu’s decision to embark on the lengthy holiday was unusual and used the opportunity to make a remark about the President’s age.
Melaye wrote: “Which President will leave his country for 3 weeks? Only Tinubu. Oga, dem no dey treat old age. You can only manage it. Agbalagbi.”
The statement, which was expressed partly in Nigerian Pidgin, appeared to suggest that advancing age could not be reversed but could only be managed.
Melaye’s criticism comes amid an ongoing controversy surrounding President Tinubu’s age, with political opponents repeatedly questioning details about his age and personal history.
The latest debate was triggered by a claim made by former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar.
Atiku had alleged that President Tinubu is 90 years old, a claim that has generated reactions from political figures and supporters of the President.
The former Vice President further stated that he possessed documentary evidence which, according to him, could establish his claim regarding Tinubu’s age if the matter were taken before a court.
The allegation has added another dimension to the political exchanges between the two camps as preparations for the 2027 presidential election intensify.
Tinubu’s administration and supporters have previously faced questions and controversies surrounding the President’s personal records, although the latest comments by Atiku have reignited public discussion on the subject.
Meanwhile, Melaye’s latest criticism has attracted attention because of his reference to the President’s age while questioning the duration of his overseas holiday.
With political parties and presidential hopefuls already positioning themselves for the 2027 contest, comments from opposition figures are expected to continue generating reactions as the election draws closer.
Tinubu is expected back in the country after his vacation, with political and administrative activities set to resume following his return.
