Former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has stirred fresh controversy over President Bola Tinubu’s sudden trip out of Nigeria, alleging that the president is unwell.
Sowore made the claim on Sunday while reacting to news of Tinubu’s unexpected departure to Europe.
He alleged that the president is managing health challenges and suggested that this was the reason for the abrupt travel.
The activist also extended his comments to the leadership of the National Assembly. He claimed that Senate President Godswill Akpabio is “practically dying,” raising concerns about the health of top political office holders in the country.
President Tinubu had been in Lagos State to observe the Christmas and New Year holidays before leaving Nigeria earlier on Sunday.
His departure drew public attention due to the short notice and limited prior engagement during the festive period.
The Presidency later confirmed that Tinubu had travelled to Europe. According to an official statement, the president is also expected to proceed to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates for an international engagement.
Tinubu is scheduled to attend the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit. The visit is at the invitation of the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The summit focuses on climate action, energy transition, and sustainable development.
Despite the official explanation, Sowore questioned the transparency surrounding the president’s health and travel.
In a post on X, he wrote: “Nigeria’s Bola Ahmed Tinubu is unwell just managing himself, reason he’s abruptly flown to ‘Europe’ today @Senator_Akpabio is practically dying, why is Nigeria governed by sick people?
“And whereas nothing is wrong with illnesses it is callous to use a country as health insurance for sick leaders.”
However, the Presidency has not directly responded to Sowore’s claims as of the time of filing this report.