Bashir Ahmad backs Tinubu over reported cancellation of Macron’s Nigeria visit

Bashir Ahmad, a former aide to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, backed President Bola Tinubu over the reported cancellation of Emmanuel Macron’s planned visit to Nigeria. Writing on X Friday, Ahmad said Tinubu was right to worry that a visit about three months before Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election could prompt allegations of foreign interference. Premium Times reported that Macron and Tinubu agreed on Thursday to cancel the trip, scheduled for October 28, amid protests in France, Nigeria’s approaching election and a new Ebola case. Macron was also reportedly concerned that travelling during demonstrations in France—which had led to school closures, looting and clashes—could appear insensitive.