A political activist, Omoyele Sowore, has triggered widespread reactions on social media after claiming that President Bola Tinubu is unwell following his departure from Nigeria to Europe on Sunday.
Sowore also alleged that Senate President Godswill Akpabio is critically ill, questioning why the country is being led by people he described as sick.
Sowore’s Allegations
In a post shared on his social media handles, Sowore criticised Nigeria’s leadership and accused public officials of using the country as “health insurance.”
Sowore wrote: “Nigeria’s Bola Ahmed Tinubu is unwell just managing himself, reason he’s abruptly flown to “Europe” today @Senator_Akpabio is practically dying, why is Nigeria governed by sick people? And whereas nothing is wrong with illnesses it is callous to use a country as health insurance for sick leaders.”
The post quickly generated mixed reactions, with supporters and critics debating the claims online.
Presidency Explains Tinubu’s Trip
Earlier on Sunday, the Presidency announced that President Tinubu had travelled to Europe as part of his end-of-year break and would later proceed to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
He wrote: “STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU LEAVES FOR EUROPE
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu departed Lagos on Sunday, December 28, for Europe, continuing his end-of-year break and ahead of his official trip to Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed AlNahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, has invited President Tinubu to participate in the 2026 edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2026) Summit, which will take place in the emirate early in January.
The weeklong summit is an annual event that mobilises leaders from government, business, and society to chart the next era of sustainable development.
With the theme ‘The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go’, ADSW will connect ambition with action across innovation, finance, and people, showcasing how the world can move forward with confidence.
The President will return to the country after the Summit.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
December 28, 2025.”
Mixed Public Reactions
Sowore’s comments have continued to draw attention, with many Nigerians calling for caution and responsibility in public discourse, while others demand greater transparency about the health of public office holders.
