President Bola Ahmed Tinubu departed Lagos for Abuja on Monday, October 5, 2026, concluding a six-day stay in Nigeria's former capital. According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu had arrived in Lagos on Tuesday, September 29, after an annual vacation in London and Paris.
Independence Day Engagements and Documentary Premiere
On October 1, the President addressed Nigerians to mark the country's 66th Independence Day anniversary. Later that same day, he attended the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts on Lagos Island for the national premiere of MKO, a documentary tracing the life, political journey, and enduring legacy of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, as well as the June 12, 1993 pro-democracy struggle that bears his name.
The premiere underscored the administration's focus on commemorating the democratic struggle, with the documentary serving as a historical record of Abiola's contributions to Nigeria's democratic evolution.
Palace Visit and Departure
On Sunday, the President paid a courtesy call on the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Akiolu, at his Iga Iduganran Palace on Lagos Island, before rounding off his stay in the city. The statement reads in part: "President Tinubu also, on Sunday, paid a visit to the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Akiolu, at his Iga Iduganran Palace on Lagos Island."
The visit to the palace was part of the President's engagements during his time in Lagos, reflecting the customary respect for traditional institutions. Following the palace visit, Tinubu wrapped up his activities and proceeded to Abuja, where he is expected to resume official duties at the seat of the federal government.
Context: El-Rufai Detention Controversy
In related news, Legit.ng earlier reported that Bolaji Abdullahi, the national publicity secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), issued a direct warning to Tinubu over the detention of former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai. Abdullahi alleged that El-Rufai's continued custody was politically motivated and designed to sideline him from the 2027 elections.
El-Rufai is facing separate trials by the DSS and ICPC, with his bail application dismissed in early July, while his wives appealed to Tinubu for help. The situation remains a point of political tension as the 2027 electoral cycle approaches.
