I’m Healthy, Ready To Work – Tinubu Speaks After Return To Lagos

President Bola Tinubu has dismissed concerns over his health and declared that he is “healthy and sound” after returning to Lagos from his extended vacation in Europe.

Tinubu made the remarks on Tuesday evening while speaking with journalists shortly after arriving in Lagos from Paris, France.

“I enjoyed myself. I’m ready to kick. I’m ready to work. Well, rumour will always be emanating from politics. But, the fact remains I’m here. Healthy and sound,” the President said.

His comments came after a claim by the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, that Tinubu was hospitalised in France.

Sowore had made the claim on Monday during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, alleging that the President was undergoing treatment in France. He said he did not know the nature of the alleged ailment.

The Presidency had previously dismissed concerns about Tinubu’s health, with his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, saying the President was “hale and hearty.” 

Tinubu’s return to Nigeria on Tuesday brought to an end his European working vacation, which began with his departure from Abuja on August 30. He spent about a week in London before proceeding to Paris, where he continued his official engagements.

The President arrived at the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, where he was received by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other dignitaries.

His arrival was also confirmed by his Special Assistant on Social Media, Olusegun Dada, who posted on X, “Landing. Welcome home Mr President!”

Tinubu’s first destination after France was Lagos, where the Presidency said he would hold a series of engagements before returning to Abuja.

According to Onanuga, the President is scheduled to meet political leaders and associates in Lagos as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.

“While in Lagos, President Tinubu will also hold strategic meetings with political leaders and associates over several days in preparation for the 2027 elections,” Onanuga said in a statement. 

The President is also expected to participate in activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1.

Among the scheduled engagements is the premiere of a movie celebrating the life and legacy of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos. 

Tinubu’s decision to return through Lagos was linked by the Presidency to plans to honour Abiola, who won the June 12, 1993 presidential election and became a prominent figure in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle.

The President is expected to remain in Lagos for the Independence Day activities and his political engagements before returning to Abuja.

His declaration that he is “healthy and sound” also marked his first direct response to the health-related speculation that had surrounded his prolonged stay in Europe.