According to a report by Punch on Thursday, April 9, 2026, the media team of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his absence at key project unveilings during a recent visit to Lagos State.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the Atiku camp expressed concern that the President did not personally attend several major engagements scheduled during the trip.
Shaibu stated that despite a two-day working visit, Tinubu failed to make meaningful public appearances at important project inaugurations, raising questions about his commitment to governance.
The statement highlighted the commissioning of the Opebi–Mende–Ojota Link Bridge and the inauguration of a Multi-Agency Complex, both of which were reportedly delegated to Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Shaibu noted that such decisions reflect a troubling pattern of absentee leadership and questioned the President’s responsiveness to national responsibilities.
The Atiku camp also referenced Tinubu’s recent visit to Plateau State, which Shaibu described as extremely brief despite the seriousness of the security situation.
He added that the President’s quick departure from Jos after a terrorist attack created the impression of insufficient engagement with the crisis.
While acknowledging Tinubu’s presence at the commissioning of the Iperu Airport in Ogun State, Shaibu maintained that the appearance was inadequate compared to other missed engagements.
He further argued that staying largely out of public view during the Lagos visit reinforced concerns about limited involvement in official duties.
Responding earlier, the Special Adviser to the President on Public Communications and Orientation, Sunday Dare, explained that Tinubu prioritised ongoing security briefings, noting that recent developments across the country required urgent attention.