The Presidency has dismissed concerns about the health of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following a brief stumble during an official reception ceremony in Ankara, Türkiye, describing the incident as minor and of no medical consequence.
President Tinubu is in Türkiye on a state visit as part of Nigeria’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in trade, investment, defence cooperation and infrastructure development.
The incident, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, occurred during a ceremonial welcome organised by Turkish authorities.
The footage showed the President momentarily losing his footing while walking alongside his Turkish counterpart, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, before quickly regaining his balance and continuing with the ceremony.
According to officials, President Tinubu missed a step on a poorly laid blue carpet, briefly staggered and fell, but was immediately assisted by aides and proceeded with the programme without interruption.
Reacting to public speculation, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, clarified the situation via his verified X handle, stressing that the President remained fully engaged in his official duties.
“Mr President missed his step very briefly and has continued his bilateral meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. A live press conference is happening immediately after the bilateral,” he wrote.
Presidential aides confirmed that no injuries were recorded and that President Tinubu fully participated in all scheduled activities after the incident. They emphasised that the stumble was accidental and not related to the President’s health.
The Presidency urged Nigerians to disregard unfounded speculation and exaggerated interpretations of the brief episode, assuring the public that President Tinubu remains hale, hearty and fully focused on his diplomatic engagements in Türkiye.
- LASG, MTN Partner to Redevelop Obalende Under‑Bridge into Y’ELLO Bus Park - January 28, 2026
- Reno Omokri’s Video Calling Tinubu ‘Drug Lord’ Admitted as Evidence in Sowore’s Trial - January 28, 2026
- APC Denies Plans to Replace Shettima as Tinubu’s Running Mate for 2027 - January 28, 2026