President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after an extended working leave in Europe, and has assured that he is in good health. Tinubu arrived in Lagos aboard Nigerian Air Force One, which landed at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, at about 6:22 pm. He was received by several government officials and party leaders, including Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas and Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Tinubu dismissed social media rumours about his health, attributing the speculation to politics. "There is nothing wrong with me. I am healthy, ready to go," he said. The President spent one week in London and the remaining period in Paris, France, where he held a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron and met businessman Vincent Bolloré.
The President's return comes as the APC intensifies preparations for the 2027 presidential election, with the expanded Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) expected to begin full mobilisation. The PCC, led by its Director-General, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, has commenced consultations with traditional rulers, including the Sultan of Sokoto and the Oba of Lagos.
Tinubu's extended working leave had fuelled speculation on social media, with opposition figures also commenting on the President's absence. One political party filed a suit to challenge the President's extended working leave in court. However, Senator Adams Oshiomhole said the volume of correspondence signed by the President and sent to the National Assembly during his leave showed that he remained engaged with official duties.
The President is expected to attend the premiere of a movie celebrating the late Chief Moshood Abiola, winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre, Iganmu, on Thursday, October 1, Nigeria's Independence Day. He will also hold strategic meetings with political leaders and associates in Lagos over the next few days as part of preparations for the 2027 elections.
Tinubu's arrival was greeted by APC members dressed in customised party attire, who gathered around the Presidential Wing of the airport ahead of his arrival. The gathering was carnival-like, with itinerant drummers accompanying women and youths, including members of the City Boy Movement, who danced while displaying banners and posters.
The Presidency said Tinubu would return to Abuja after completing his engagements in Lagos. Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas said the President's period of rest would prepare him for increased activities, adding that the days he has spent resting will translate into more action this time around.
Key points
- President Tinubu returns to Nigeria after a working leave, assures of good health
- The President's return comes as the APC intensifies preparations for the 2027 presidential election
- Tinubu is expected to attend the premiere of a movie celebrating the late Chief Moshood Abiola on October 1
