For the first time since assuming office, President Bola Tinubu marked the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations in Abuja, choosing to remain at the Aso Rock Villa instead of travelling to Lagos, his usual holiday destination. The decision, reportedly made just hours before the planned trip, surprised many close to the presidency.
Since becoming President, Tinubu has spent every major holiday in Lagos, reflecting a deep personal connection to the city. However, this year’s Sallah celebration signals a possible shift, suggesting he may be growing more comfortable spending holidays in the capital.
Staying in Abuja during major festivities comes with a customary responsibility: hosting a delegation of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) residents, led by the FCT Minister. On Sunday, President Tinubu received his first Sallah guests at the Villa, including lawmakers representing the FCT, area council chairpersons, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and senior judicial officers. The delegation was led by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
During the meeting, the President praised Wike’s infrastructure efforts in the FCT, joking that the minister’s impressive performance could politically benefit the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to which Wike belongs.
“I know where you are coming from—your own party or my party. If this thing goes too much in your own favour, you will lose your job,” Tinubu said in a light-hearted tone, calling Wike the “Master of Infrastructure.”
However, the mood among other guests turned less cheerful when the traditional presidential handshake and photo session did not take place. Instead of the expected individual photos with the President, guests were ushered into a group photograph. Some guests appeared disappointed, pointing to a red carpet bearing the presidential seal—an apparent setup for the scrapped session.
“This is where we used to do it,” one guest quietly said, referring to past photo opportunities with former presidents.
Whether Tinubu’s stay in Abuja signals a new tradition remains uncertain. The next opportunity to test this shift will be during the Eid ul-Adha celebrations, scheduled from June 6 to 10.
