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Tinubu’s Sudden Europe Trip Sparks Health Speculation After Sowore’s Claims
Former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has sparked nationwide debate after alleging health concerns surrounding President Bola Tinubu following his sudden trip to Europe. Here’s what we know.
Nigeria’s political space is buzzing following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unexpected departure to Europe, a move that has triggered fresh debate after activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore made controversial claims about the health of top government officials.
President Tinubu had been in Lagos State for the Christmas and New Year holidays before leaving the country. According to an official statement released by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the president’s travel itinerary includes:
A private visit to Europe
An official engagement in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Participation in the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit, at the invitation of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
The presidency emphasized that the trip includes both diplomatic and international sustainability engagements.
Reacting to the president’s sudden departure,Omoyele Sowore took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to allege that President Tinubu is dealing with health challenges.
Sowore also made a separate claim regarding Senate President Godswill Akpabio, suggesting that Nigeria is being governed by leaders struggling with serious health conditions. It is important to note that these statements are Sowore’s personal claims and have not been independently verified or confirmed by official medical reports.
Sowore’s comments have reignited a long-standing public conversation in Nigeria about:
Transparency around the health of public office holders
The frequent overseas medical trips by government leaders
The state of Nigeria’s healthcare system
While many Nigerians argue that illness is a human reality, critics believe public officials should be open about their fitness for office—especially when public funds and governance continuity are involved.
As of now, the presidency has not acknowledged any health-related concerns regarding President Tinubu. Government officials maintain that the trip aligns with scheduled international engagements and diplomatic responsibilities.
This development highlights broader governance questions, including: Should leaders publicly disclose medical conditions?
Why do Nigerian leaders often seek medical care abroad?
What reforms are needed to strengthen local healthcare infrastructure?
These issues continue to shape political discourse as Nigerians demand greater accountability and transparency from those in power.
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