The Presidency has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu is ill and in need of urgent overseas medical attention.
The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) had reported that sources indicated the president’s medical team was preparing to possibly fly him abroad for treatment. The platform alleged that Tinubu had been bedridden for several days, causing him to miss key state functions, with Vice President Kashim Shettima representing him at some engagements.
The ICIR further cited an Aso Rock insider who claimed many of the president’s scheduled activities were cancelled earlier in the week, and that the rest of his agenda had been cleared so his medical team could closely monitor his condition.
However, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed the report, telling ICIR that “people just tell you all kinds of rumours that have no basis at all.”
He maintained that Tinubu was actively working. “He was in his office yesterday (August 5). I was with him. I went to see him. He came to work.”
Speaking later to Daily Trust, Onanuga again rejected the speculation. On the president’s absence from public events, he explained that Tinubu could opt to work from home.
“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,” he said.
According to the ICIR, Tinubu was last seen in public on Friday, August 1, at the opening of the Progressive Media Summit. The president appeared in good health and urged young Nigerians in the digital media sector to use their platforms for national growth.
On July 29, he hosted the Super Falcons after their WAFCON victory in Morocco, standing for an extended period as he congratulated the players and coaches before announcing financial rewards for the team — a gesture that drew mixed public reactions.
His absence at the August 3 reception for the victorious D’Tigress team, where Vice President Shettima represented him, fuelled more speculation.
Despite this, the presidency has continued to release official statements. On August 6, Tinubu announced free healthcare for low-income retirees and an increase in pensions. The press release included a photograph of him with National Pension Commission Director General Omolola Oloworaran but did not specify when it was taken. ICIR reported the meeting occurred days earlier at the president’s private residence, a fact Onanuga confirmed.
That same day, another statement conveyed Tinubu’s condolences to Ghana following a deadly air crash that killed several senior government officials.
The ICIR also noted that last week’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting did not hold. Minister of Information Mohammed Idris had earlier announced it would be held on August 6, but ministers were later informed of a postponement.
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Onanuga clarified that the president had rescheduled it himself. “Yes, he postponed it. It’s not an issue,” he said. “There is no certain time for FEC. The FEC meeting can be held on Monday, it can be held on Wednesday. It can be held on a Thursday.”
The ICIR investigation further revealed that other high-profile meetings were quietly cancelled, including a planned session with close associates of former President Muhammadu Buhari in the APC.
When asked why Tinubu missed the D’Tigress reception, Onanuga told ICIR: “Why must he be at all functions? Is it compulsory he must be at all functions? He has a deputy. He can delegate.”
Responding to concerns over his reduced public appearances, he said: “I said he was in the office yesterday (August 5). I was with him. Do you want him to be doing public parade or something?”