The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) have raised concerns and demanded an explanation from the presidency following President Bola Tinubu's departure for a private visit to France.
The move has triggered questions about the timing and purpose of the trip, particularly given the prevailing challenges in Nigeria.
In a statement, the PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, asserted that the current state of insecurity and the nation's economic woes make it the least opportune time for President Tinubu to embark on a foreign journey.
Abdullahi called on the presidency to provide a transparent account of the purpose behind the visit, raising suspicions about a potential hidden agenda or undisclosed health concerns.
"The feelers we are having are that he (Tinubu) has gone for medical treatment as usual because that is where his doctors are. So, we challenge the presidency to come clean and explain to us the details of his ailment," Abdullahi stated in a phone interview with Punch.
While acknowledging the president's prolonged presence in the country, the PDP representative stressed the need for sustained commitment to addressing the nation's pressing issues.
Abdullahi expressed concern about the need for more clarity on the state of the nation, including economic, political, and security matters, during a time when leadership presence is crucial.
Similarly, Yunusa Tanko, the spokesman for the LP 2023 Presidential Campaign Council, questioned the transparency of President Tinubu's departure, labelling it as "completely undemocratic and unacceptable."
Tanko hinted at potential health issues, citing a previous observation of Tinubu's hands shaking during an event.
"As far as we are concerned, this is completely undemocratic, and it is unacceptable. Nigerians deserve to know details about his travels. And at the same time, he must transmit power considering the level of insecurity in the country at the moment," Tanko asserted.
President Tinubu's trip to France marks his third visit to the European country since assuming office eight months ago.
The presidency, represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, has yet to provide specific reasons for the visit, stating only that the president will return to the country in the first week of February 2024.
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