President Bola Tinubu has dismissed speculation about his health after returning to Nigeria following a four-week stay in Europe that the Presidency described as a working vacation.
Tinubu arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos on Tuesday evening, September 29, after departing Paris, France. His aircraft touched down at about 6:22 p.m., according to reports.
He was received by several senior government officials and political leaders, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin. Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila was also among those at the airport.
Speaking briefly with journalists after his arrival, Tinubu said he had enjoyed his time abroad.
“I enjoyed myself. Fantastic,” the President said when asked about his vacation.
He was subsequently asked about concerns raised by some Nigerians and supporters regarding his health.
“Ready to kick, ready to walk. There’s nothing wrong,” Tinubu said, adding that rumours about his health were linked to politics.
“Rumour will always be emanating from politics, but the facts remain: I’m here. Healthy, sound, and ready to go,” he said.
Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30, initially for London, before travelling to Paris. The Presidency had originally described the trip as a three-week annual vacation but later announced that it had been extended by several days. He eventually returned to Nigeria on September 29.
During his stay in France, Tinubu held a number of engagements, including a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and discussions with business figures. He also met Bolloré Group chairman Vincent Bolloré and First HoldCo chairman Femi Otedola.
The President also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ogun State Government and DP World concerning the proposed Gateway Deep Sea Port and Blue Marine Economic Zone in Ogun Waterside. The project has been described as having the potential to attract about $7 billion in investment.
The Presidency has maintained that Tinubu remained in contact with officials in Nigeria and continued directing government affairs while abroad. His prolonged absence, however, generated political and constitutional debate, particularly because he remained outside the country beyond the originally announced three-week vacation.
Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York during Tinubu’s absence.
The President’s extended stay abroad also prompted discussion about Section 145 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which provides for a written declaration when a president proceeds on vacation or is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of office.
Opposition figures, including presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, have questioned the constitutional implications of Tinubu’s prolonged absence and called for clarification on the procedures followed during the period.
The Presidency and supporters of the administration have maintained that Tinubu was on a working vacation and continued to perform his responsibilities remotely. These competing positions have kept the issue in the political debate surrounding the President’s return.
Tinubu chose to return to Lagos rather than Abuja, with the Presidency saying the decision was connected to activities honouring the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, a central figure in Nigeria’s June 12, 1993 democratic struggle.
The President is scheduled to attend the national premiere of MKO, a documentary about Abiola’s life, political career and role in the pro-democracy struggle, on October 1, Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day.
The premiere is scheduled to take place at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos. The documentary, directed by Nigerian-American filmmaker Ose Oyamendan, is expected to open in cinemas nationwide on
While in Lagos, Tinubu is also expected to hold meetings with political leaders and associates ahead of the 2027 general elections before eventually returning to Abuja.