Presidency Issues Strong Denial of President Tinubu Health Speculation
The Nigerian presidency has issued a firm rebuttal against circulating social media claims alleging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is seriously ill. In a statement released on Thursday night, February 26, presidential officials categorically denied any truth to the viral rumors that have sparked concerns about leadership stability in Africa's most populous nation.
Presidential Spokesperson Condemns Irresponsible Social Media Posts
Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser to President Tinubu on information and strategy, publicly addressed the controversy surrounding a post by social media user @MikeArnoldTruth. The online critic had claimed confidential sources indicated President Tinubu was battling advanced cancer and suggested recent presidential trips to Paris were for medical purposes rather than official business.
In a strongly worded response on his verified X account, Onanuga described the critic as a hatchet man and rumour monger, labeling the post as very irresponsible and baseless. The presidential aide emphasized that such speculation serves no constructive purpose and undermines public confidence in Nigeria's democratic institutions.
Social Media Claims Spark Leadership Concerns
The controversial social media post had raised hypothetical questions about Nigeria's constitutional succession process, suggesting that Vice President Kashim Shettima would assume the presidency without an election if President Tinubu were unable to complete his term. The post drew historical parallels to Nigeria's experience following President Umaru Yar'Adua's death in 2010, when Goodluck Jonathan succeeded to the presidency.
Beyond health allegations, the social media critic made additional claims about presidential decision-making and administration dynamics, though these assertions remain unverified and have been dismissed by presidential representatives as unfounded speculation.
President Tinubu Maintains Active Schedule Amid Rumors
Contrary to the illness claims, President Tinubu has maintained a robust schedule of official engagements and meetings with key stakeholders. On Tuesday, February 24, the president convened with the Progressive Governors Forum and former government officials, with expectations that Nigeria Labour Congress leadership would also participate in discussions about national development priorities.
Furthermore, on Thursday, February 26, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno visited President Tinubu at the presidential villa in Abuja. During their meeting, Governor Eno briefed the president on developments and the general state of affairs in Akwa Ibom State, demonstrating the president's continued engagement with regional leadership across Nigeria.
Administrative Appointments Continue Uninterrupted
The presidency has continued normal governmental operations, with President Tinubu recently appointing executive and non-executive board members for the newly established Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO). Adesegun Olugbade was appointed board chairman, while Engineer Abdu Mohammed Bello assumes the managing director position.
Additional executive director appointments include:
- Engineer Nafisatu Asabe Ali for Systems Operation
- Engineer Shehu Abba-Aliyu for Systems Planning
- Edmund Eje for Market Operations
- Babajide Ibironke for Finance and Corporate Services
These appointments reflect ongoing administrative continuity and demonstrate President Tinubu's active involvement in governance matters despite the circulating rumors about his health status.
Media Responsibility and Fact-Checking Imperative
The controversy highlights growing concerns about misinformation proliferation on social media platforms and the importance of responsible journalism. Presidential representatives have emphasized that unverified claims about the president's health not only disrespect the office but also create unnecessary anxiety among citizens and international observers monitoring Nigeria's political stability.
As Nigeria continues to navigate complex economic and security challenges, maintaining accurate information about leadership capacity remains crucial for both domestic confidence and international relations. The presidency's swift response aims to quell speculation and reaffirm that governance continues uninterrupted under President Tinubu's leadership.
