A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has criticised the recent state visit of President Bola Tinubu to the United Kingdom, describing it as poorly timed.

Speaking during an appearance on Arise Television Morning Show on Friday, Rhodes-Vivour expressed concern over the absence of key security officials from the country during a period of heightened insecurity.

His remarks followed a bomb explosion in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, which occurred shortly before the President’s trip.

President Tinubu was accompanied on the visit by senior officials, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, among others.

Rhodes-Vivour criticised the situation, stating that top security officials were abroad while lives were being lost at home. He described the development as insensitive, noting that the attack reportedly claimed over 20 lives and left several others injured and displaced.

He argued that the presence of key security leaders in Nigeria during such incidents is critical, adding that their absence at a time of crisis raises serious concerns about the government’s priorities.