President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after a four-week working vacation in Europe, amid concerns about his health. The President arrived in Lagos on Tuesday, September 30, 2026, at 6:22 p.m. and was received by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and other senior government officials. Tinubu's return brings an end to apprehension over his long stay without handing over power to Vice President Kashim Shettima.
During a meeting with journalists on his arrival, Tinubu dismissed concerns about his health, saying he is "healthy, sound, and ready to go." He attributed the rumors about his health to politics, but assured Nigerians that there is nothing wrong with him. The President's statement comes after some Nigerians and his supporters had raised concerns about his well-being during his extended stay in Europe.
Tinubu had departed Abuja on August 30 for his working vacation, spending one week in London before traveling to Paris. During his stay in Europe, the President had a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. He also met with business leaders, including Vincent Bolloré of the Bolloré Group, and witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ogun State Government and DP World for the construction of a Gateway deep seaport.
The President's visit to Lagos is significant, as he is expected to attend the premiere of a movie honoring the late Chief MKO Abiola, a prominent figure in Nigeria's democratic struggle, on October 1, Independence Day. The movie will be screened at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos. Tinubu chose to travel to Lagos first to honor Abiola's memory.
While in Lagos, President Tinubu is also expected to hold strategic meetings with political leaders and associates over several days in preparation for the 2027 elections. The President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had announced Tinubu's departure from Paris for Lagos earlier on Tuesday. The meetings are seen as a crucial step in the President's preparations for the upcoming elections.
During his working vacation, Tinubu also met with the Chairman of First Holdings, Femi Otedola, on Monday evening. The President's engagement with business leaders and politicians is expected to shape his strategy for the 2027 elections. DP World, a leading ports and logistics operator, plans to invest $7 billion in the construction of a Gateway deep seaport in Ogun Waterside and the creation of a Blue Marine Economic Zone.
The President's return to Nigeria and his assurance of good health are expected to alleviate concerns among Nigerians and his supporters. Tinubu's engagements in Lagos, including the movie premiere and strategic meetings, are seen as critical to his preparations for the 2027 elections. The President's health and preparations for the elections will likely remain a focus of attention in the coming weeks.
Key points
- President Tinubu returns to Nigeria after a four-week vacation in Europe, amid concerns about his health.
- Tinubu dismisses health concerns, saying he is "healthy, sound, and ready to go."
- The President is expected to hold strategic meetings with political leaders and associates in Lagos in preparation for the 2027 elections.
