The Presidency has dismissed claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is suffering from a serious illness, attributing his recent absence from public events to his decision to work from home. This follows reports from the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), which suggested that the president had been bedridden for several days and that preparations were being made for possible medical treatment abroad.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, refuted these claims, describing them as unfounded. “There is nothing wrong with the president, he is okay. He can choose to work from home or anywhere,” Onanuga told Daily Trust. He added, “I was with him in his office on August 5. People spread rumours without basis.”
President Tinubu’s last public appearance was on August 1 at the Progressive Media Summit in Abuja, where he addressed young Nigerians in the digital space. Prior to that, he hosted the victorious Super Falcons team after their WAFCON championship win on July 29.
Despite his absence from the August 3 reception for the D’Tigress basketball team, where Vice President Kashim Shettima represented him, the Presidency has continued to release official statements on his activities. On August 6, the president announced a pension increase and free healthcare for low-income retirees. A photograph accompanying the announcement was confirmed to have been taken at his private residence.
The reports of Tinubu’s frequent overseas trips, particularly to France, have previously sparked speculation about his health. Since taking office in 2023, Tinubu has spent over 50 days in France, often for private or working trips. However, the Presidency insists there is no cause for concern, stating that President Tinubu remains actively engaged in governance and is effectively carrying out his duties from home.
