Presidency Issues Strong Denial of Poisoning Rumors Against President Tinubu
The Nigerian presidency has categorically denied and dismissed circulating rumors alleging an attempt to poison President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by kitchen staff at Aso Rock, the presidential villa. Government officials have labeled these claims as completely baseless, misleading, and without any factual foundation whatsoever.
Official Statement from Presidential Aide Bayo Onanuga
On March 1, 2026, presidential aide Bayo Onanuga issued a formal statement addressing the matter directly. He explicitly stated that no Aso Rock kitchen staff were arrested in connection with these allegations, and no such poisoning attempt ever occurred. Onanuga urged the Nigerian public to completely disregard the false information being spread through a viral video.
"No Aso Rock kitchen staff arrested. No Aso Rock kitchen staff attempted to poison President Tinubu. Please ignore this fake news being disseminated by this video," Onanuga wrote in his official clarification.
Presidency Calls for Public Disregard of Misinformation
The presidency has strongly emphasized that the circulating video contains fabricated claims and should be ignored by all citizens. Officials have reiterated that President Tinubu remains safe and secure, with no security breaches or threats to his wellbeing within the presidential premises.
This clarification aims to reassure Nigerians about the safety of their president and to combat the spread of misinformation that could potentially cause unnecessary panic and confusion among the populace. The statement represents a direct effort to maintain public trust and transparency regarding presidential security matters.
Context of False Information Circulation
The denial comes amid increasing concerns about the rapid spread of false information through social media platforms and digital channels. The presidency's prompt response demonstrates its commitment to addressing rumors swiftly before they gain wider traction and cause significant public concern.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by government institutions in managing information integrity in the digital age, where unverified claims can quickly go viral and create unnecessary anxiety among citizens.
