There is growing concern over the health of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with credible sources confirming to The ICIR that preparations are underway for a possible emergency medical evacuation abroad. However, the Presidency has dismissed these concerns, insisting the President is “working” and describing the rumours as baseless.
According to multiple insider accounts, President Tinubu has allegedly been bedridden for several days, leading to his absence from key public and state functions. In recent outings, Vice President Kashim Shettima has stood in for the President, further fueling speculation about his condition.
A source within Aso Rock told The ICIR that several of President Tinubu’s scheduled activities were abruptly cancelled at the beginning of the week. It is also believed that his schedule for the rest of the week has been cleared to allow his medical team full oversight of his condition.
Despite these developments, official denials persist. When contacted, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said:
“People just tell you all kinds of rumours that have no basis at all. He was in his office yesterday (August 5). I was with him. I went to see him. He came to work.”
President Tinubu was last seen publicly on Friday, August 1, at the Progressive Media Summit, where he delivered a keynote address. Before that, on July 29, he welcomed Nigeria’s Super Falcons following their victory at the WAFCON championship.
His absence at a similar reception for the D’Tigress basketball team on August 3 sparked fresh concerns, especially as Vice President Shettima represented him at the event.
In recent days, State House press releases have continued to bear the President’s name, including a directive on August 6 regarding free healthcare for low-income retirees and increased pensions. However, The ICIR investigation revealed that the attached photograph of the President with PenCom DG Omolola Oloworaran was taken earlier at his private residence, not the Villa.
Bayo Onanuga confirmed this detail but insisted the President remains active, stating:
“He even called me from the house to issue a condolence statement to Ghana about the recent air crash.”
Adding to the speculation, the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting did not hold this week. Although the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, had earlier indicated that the next meeting would take place on Wednesday, August 6, it was quietly shelved.
Onanuga confirmed the postponement but downplayed its significance:
“Yes, he postponed it. It’s not an issue. The FEC can be held on Monday, Wednesday, or even Thursday. There’s no fixed time.”
Since assuming office in 2023, President Tinubu has made several private and working trips to France reportedly over 50 days cumulatively raising persistent questions about his health transparency.
Timeline of Notable Trips:
- June 2023: 4–5 days for the Global Financial Pact Summit in Paris
- January 2024: 14-day private visit
- August 2024: Brief private visit
- October 2024: Two-week UK working vacation with stop in France
- November 2024: Three-day state visit to France
- February 2025: 7–8 day private trip en route to AU Summit
- April 2025: Two-week working visit including time in London
The President’s absence has also delayed expected decisions in other areas of government. There is ongoing speculation about the resignation of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd (NNPCL) GCEO, Bayo Ojulari. Despite widespread reports, neither the Presidency nor NNPCL has confirmed or denied his status.
A senior presidency official told The ICIR the matter requires the President’s attention and may be pending due to his current health status.
While the Presidency continues to issue statements and insist the President is fit, the lack of public appearances and cancellations of major functions leave many Nigerians concerned.
For now, the official line remains denial—but insiders suggest that unless the President’s condition improves swiftly, a discreet medical trip abroad may be imminent.


[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
