A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dino Melaye, has taken a swipe at President Bola Tinubu over his decision to spend three weeks outside Nigeria on annual leave.
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Melaye questioned the timing and duration of the President’s vacation, arguing that it is unusual for a Nigerian president to leave the country for such an extended period.
The former Kogi West Senator made the remarks in a post on X, where he also made reference to Tinubu’s age.
“Which President will leave his country for 3 weeks? Only Tinubu. Oga, dem no dey treat old age. You can only manage it. Agbalagbi,” Melaye wrote.
Tinubu left Abuja for Europe on Sunday to commence his three-week annual vacation, according to his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Onanuga disclosed that the President’s first destination would be London, United Kingdom.
Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria after the vacation and resume his activities ahead of the January 2027 general election campaign.
Melaye’s criticism comes amid renewed controversy over claims concerning the President’s age.
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The ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, recently alleged that Tinubu is 90 years old, despite the President’s publicly documented age.
During an interview with the BBC, Atiku maintained that he had evidence and official records to support the claim and said he was prepared to present them in court.
The allegation has generated reactions from both the Presidency and political actors, with Tinubu’s media aide, Temitope Ajayi, dismissing Atiku’s claim as an indication of desperation to win the presidency.
Melaye’s latest comment has now added another layer to the political exchanges surrounding Tinubu’s vacation and the debate over his age.