Tinubu Dismisses Rumors About His Health, Asserts Strength Upon Arrival from France

Yesterday, President-elect Asiwaju Bola Tinubu made a triumphant return to Nigeria after spending 32 days on vacation in three different countries. Following the conclusion of the 2023 presidential elections, Tinubu is now prepared and eager to take on the challenges of his new role as Nigeria’s leader.

Arriving at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at approximately 4:30 pm, Tinubu appeared energetic and in high spirits. He was accompanied by his wife, Oluremi, and his son, Seyi. A jubilant crowd of supporters, members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and members of the now-dissolved Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) greeted him with enthusiasm.

Tinubu, the former governor of Lagos State, took the opportunity to address rumors about his health, urging Nigerians to disregard such speculation. During his vacation, he visited London, Paris, and Saudi Arabia, where he observed the lesser Hajj.

A festive motorcade escorted him from the airport to his residence in Asokoro, while thousands of supporters and journalists gathered at his campaign headquarters in Abuja’s Central District and the Defence House in Maitama, which serves as the official residence of Nigeria’s President-elect.

Tinubu left Nigeria on March 22 for a three-country tour, during which he took time to rest, engage in international activities, and observe the lesser Hajj. A statement from the Office of the President-elect, signed by Tunde Rahman, noted that several prominent figures were present at the airport to welcome him back. These included Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima, House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, Governors Simon Lalong (Plateau) and Abubakar Sani-Bello (Niger), and former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff.

Additional attendees were former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Chairman Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, APC Deputy National Chairmen Senator Abubakar Kyari and Mr. Emma Eneukwu, National Woman Leader Dr. Betta Edu, and various Senators and members of the recently-dissolved Presidential Campaign Council.

Speaking to the crowd that followed him home, the President-elect declared, “I am happy to be back. I have rested. I am refreshed, and I am ready for the task ahead. Forget about what the rumor mill may have told you. I am strong, very strong.” When asked about his plans for the country, he shared that he had been consulting and strategizing to assemble a robust team, ensuring that he can hit the ground running as soon as he takes office on May 29.