Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is unwell and was hurriedly flown to Europe for medical reasons. In a post on his X account on Sunday, Sowore claimed the President was “just managing himself” before his sudden departure and questioned why the country is led by officials facing health challenges.
Sowore also raised concerns about the health of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, alleging he was gravely ill. 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?” He added that while illness is not a crime, it is wrong to use Nigeria as “health insurance” for leaders.
However, the Presidency said Tinubu’s trip to Europe was part of his end-of-year break and ahead of an official visit to Abu Dhabi. In a statement, presidential aide Bayo Onanuga said Tinubu would attend the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit before returning home. Meanwhile, Akpabio has denied reports of ill health, saying he only took a brief vacation and remains active.