President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed speculation about his health, declaring that he is healthy, sound and ready to resume his official duties after returning to Nigeria from a month-long working vacation in Europe.
Tinubu made the statement on Tuesday evening shortly after arriving at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. He was responding to questions from journalists about rumours concerning his health that had circulated during his extended stay abroad.
“Ready to kick, ready to work. There’s nothing wrong,” the President said.
He added that political activities often generate rumours but insisted that he remained in good health.
“Rumours will always be emanating from politics, but the facts remain I’m here: healthy, sound and ready to go,” Tinubu said.
The President’s comments came after his absence from Nigeria was extended beyond the three-week period initially announced by the Presidency. Tinubu departed Abuja on August 30 for a working vacation in Europe, spending part of the period in London before moving to Paris, France.
On September 21, the Presidency announced that his stay abroad had been extended by a few days. It maintained that Tinubu remained in contact with officials at home and continued to direct government affairs while outside the country.
The extended absence generated public discussion, particularly on social media, where questions were raised about the President’s health and ability to continue performing his responsibilities. The Presidency repeatedly maintained that Tinubu was well and continued to discharge his duties.
Following his return on Tuesday, Tinubu offered his first direct response to the health-related speculation.
The President also briefly described his experience during the overseas break when asked how he had spent the vacation.
“I enjoyed myself,” he said.
Tinubu arrived in Lagos at about 6:22pm and was received by several senior government officials and political leaders. Those at the airport included Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Speaker Abbas, who welcomed the President, expressed optimism that the period of rest would result in renewed energy for the administration.
“It is incredibly nice to have him after one month away, and we believe that the days he has spent resting will translate into more action this time around,” Abbas said.
The President’s European stay also included official and private engagements. In Paris, Tinubu held a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron and met business interests during his stay.
His return comes ahead of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1. Tinubu is expected to participate in activities marking the anniversary in Lagos, including the premiere of a production honouring the late businessman and politician, Chief MKO Abiola, at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu.
The Presidency had previously said the President remained focused on governance despite his absence from the country. His return now brings the period of public speculation over his health to a close, although Tinubu’s statement represents his own account of his condition rather than an independent medical assessment.
The President is expected to resume his official engagements in the country as the government prepares for the Independence celebrations and other national activities.
