The Presidency has dismissed reports alleging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ill and receiving medical treatment abroad.
Rumours began circulating after claims that the President had been confined to bed for several days, causing his absence from key official functions.
The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) had cited unnamed insiders alleging that Tinubu’s medical team was preparing to fly him overseas for urgent care.
They also claimed that Vice President Kashim Shettima had been representing the Presidency at important engagements during Tinubu’s absence, while several of his scheduled activities were cancelled or postponed.
Reacting to these claims, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, told ICIR, “people just tell you all kinds of rumours that have no basis at all.” He insisted the President had been working actively, adding, “He was in his office yesterday (August 5). I was with him. I went to see him. He came to work.”
When later contacted by Daily Trust, Onanuga maintained that there was nothing wrong with the President, stating, “There is nothing wrong with the president, he is okay. He can choose to work from home. He can choose to work from anywhere. I tell you nothing is wrong with the president.”
Tinubu was last seen in public on August 1 at the Progressive Media Summit, where he appeared healthy and delivered a speech on the importance of new media in national development. On July 29, he hosted the Super Falcons following their WAFCON Championship victory in Morocco, congratulating the players and coaches while announcing rewards.
However, his absence at the August 3 reception for the D’Tigress team, where Shettima represented him, drew public attention. Despite this, the Presidency has continued to issue official statements, including Tinubu’s recent directive to expand free healthcare for low-income retirees and increase pensions. A photo released alongside the statement showed the President meeting with the Director General of the National Pension Commission, Omolola Oloworaran, reportedly at his private residence rather than his office.
It was also revealed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting scheduled for August 6 was postponed at the President’s discretion. Onanuga questioned the expectation for Tinubu’s constant physical presence at public events, saying, “Why must he be at all functions? Is it compulsory he must be at all functions? He has a deputy. He can delegate.” He added, “Do you want him to be doing public parade or something?”
Since assuming office in 2023, Tinubu has made several trips abroad, particularly to France, sometimes for extended stays. These visits have often sparked speculation about his health, but no official confirmation of any medical issues has ever been given.
