President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed speculation about his health, declaring that he is “healthy, sound and ready to go” after returning to Nigeria from a four-week stay in Europe.
Tinubu spoke on Tuesday evening at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, shortly after arriving from Paris, France.
Asked about reports and rumours concerning his health during his absence from the country, the President said there was nothing wrong with him and that he was prepared to resume work.
“Ready to kick, ready to walk. There’s nothing wrong,” Tinubu said.
He added that the rumours were linked to politics, insisting that he had returned in good health.
“Rumour will always be emanating from politics, but the facts remain, I’m here. Healthy, sound, and ready to go. Ready to work, and ready to go,” he said.
The President also described his time abroad as enjoyable, responding “Fantastic” when asked how his vacation had been.
Tinubu returns after four weeks abroad
Tinubu arrived in Lagos at about 6:22 p.m. aboard the Nigerian Air Force One, bringing his extended European stay to an end.
The President left Nigeria on August 30 and initially travelled to London before proceeding to Paris, where he held a number of official engagements.
The Presidency had described the trip as a working vacation and said Tinubu continued to monitor developments in Nigeria and direct government affairs while abroad.
During his stay in France, Tinubu met French President Emmanuel Macron and held engagements with business leaders, including Vincent Bolloré and First HoldCo Chairman Femi Otedola. He also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ogun State Government and DP World on the development of a deep seaport and Blue Marine Economic Zone.
His prolonged stay abroad, however, generated political debate, particularly after he did not attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the gathering.
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Before Tinubu’s return, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had dismissed concerns over the President’s wellbeing, describing him as “hale and hearty” and maintaining that he remained engaged with government business while abroad.
Why Tinubu returned through Lagos
According to Onanuga, Tinubu chose to return through Lagos to honour the memory of the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, whom the Presidency described as a martyr of Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
The President is scheduled to attend the premiere of a film on Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, on October 1, Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day.
The Presidency also said Tinubu would use his time in Lagos to hold strategic meetings with political leaders and associates as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.
He is expected to return to Abuja after the engagements in Lagos.