The Presidency has dismissed reports suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is seriously ill and may require urgent medical evacuation abroad. The denial follows a report by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), which cited unnamed sources claiming the president had been unwell for several days, leading to his absence from key state functions.
The ICIR report alleged that some of Tinubu’s scheduled public engagements had been cancelled, with his remaining activities cleared to allow for close medical observation. In recent days, Vice President Kashim Shettima has represented the president at various official functions, prompting speculation about his health.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the claims as baseless. Speaking to ICIR, Onanuga insisted that Tinubu had been in his office on August 5 and had carried out his duties normally. “People just tell you all kinds of rumours that have no basis at all. He was in his office yesterday. I was with him. He came to work,” he said.
In a separate interview with Daily Trust, Onanuga reiterated that there was nothing wrong with the president, adding that Tinubu could choose to work from home or any other location. “I tell you nothing is wrong with the president,” he maintained.
The last time Tinubu was seen in public was on Friday, August 1, when he attended the opening of the Progressive Media Summit, where he urged young Nigerians in the digital sector to use their platforms to contribute to national progress. On July 29, he hosted the victorious Super Falcons at the Presidential Villa following their win at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where he congratulated the team and announced financial rewards.
However, his absence from a similar event for the D’Tigress basketball team on August 3, where Shettima stood in for him, drew renewed attention.
Despite the reduced number of public appearances, the Presidency has continued issuing statements in the president’s name. On August 6, Tinubu directed the implementation of free healthcare for low-income retirees and announced an increase in pensions. The accompanying photograph with PenCom Director-General Omolola Oloworaran was reportedly taken at the president’s private residence rather than his office.
On the same day, the president sent a condolence message to Ghana following a tragic air crash that claimed the lives of Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and others.
The ICIR also noted that the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting did not hold last week, adding to speculation about the president’s condition. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, told reporters on Thursday that the next FEC meeting would take place on August 6. However, ministers were reportedly informed of a postponement and did not show up at the usual meeting time.
Onanuga confirmed that the president had indeed postponed the meeting, saying there is no fixed schedule for FEC sessions. “It’s not an issue. The FEC meeting can be held on Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday,” he said.
According to ICIR, several other high-level engagements were also quietly shelved, including a planned meeting on August 5 with close associates of former President Muhammadu Buhari within the All Progressives Congress (APC). That session was abruptly cancelled.
When asked specifically about the president’s absence from the D’Tigress reception, Onanuga responded, “Why must he be at all functions? Is it compulsory he must be at all functions? He has a deputy. He can delegate.” Regarding calls for more public appearances, he added, “Do you want him to be doing a public parade or something?”
The Presidency maintains that Tinubu remains healthy and continues to carry out his duties, insisting that recent absences from public events should not be interpreted as evidence of ill health.
