Tinubu’s Absence Sparks Health Concerns, Presidency Denies Medical Emergency

Fresh concerns are mounting over the health of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following his absence from several key public events and a string of cancelled official engagements.

As first reported by The ICIR, credible sources within Aso Rock suggest that President Tinubu may be preparing to travel abroad for urgent medical attention — a claim the presidency has firmly denied.

According to The ICIR, President Tinubu has reportedly been bedridden for several days, prompting the cancellation of meetings and appearances originally scheduled in the first week of August. In his place, Vice President Kashim Shettima has stepped in to represent the presidency at public functions, most notably at the reception held for the victorious D’Tigress basketball team on August 3.

A reliable insider told The ICIR that the President’s schedule had been cleared to allow close medical monitoring, a move which has further raised speculation about his wellbeing. However, the presidency has pushed back strongly against such reports.

“People just tell you all kinds of rumours that have no basis at all,” said Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a response to The ICIR.
“He was in his office yesterday (August 5). I was with him. I went to see him. He came to work.”

President Tinubu’s last known public appearance was on Friday, August 1, when he attended the Progressive Media Summit. During the event, he appeared in good health, encouraging digital media professionals to harness their platforms for national development.

Earlier, on July 29, he hosted Nigeria’s women’s football team, the Super Falcons, following their WAFCON victory in Morocco. Tinubu stood for long periods, greeted players, and announced generous cash rewards — a move that later sparked mixed public reactions. However, his absence from the D’Tigress reception just days later raised new concerns.

While the President has not been seen in public since August 1, the presidency has continued releasing official statements. On August 6, a press release detailed Tinubu’s approval of a new healthcare plan for low-income retirees and increased pensions. The accompanying photograph, according to The ICIR, was taken earlier at the President’s private residence — not at the presidential office.

“Even today (August 6), we issued a press release about Ghana. He (Tinubu) called me from the house and said something has happened in Ghana… He said I should issue a statement. He was the one that called me himself,” Onanuga added.

The ICIR also reported that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting — typically held at the start or middle of the week — did not take place this week. Onanuga confirmed the cancellation.

“Yes, he postponed it. It’s not an issue. There is no certain time for FEC. The FEC meeting can be held on Monday, it can be held on Wednesday. It can be held on a Thursday,” he stated.

There were also quiet cancellations of previously planned high-level meetings, including one with key figures in the ruling APC. A meeting with associates of former President Muhammadu Buhari, originally scheduled for Tuesday, August 5, was shelved without public notice.

Responding to questions on Tinubu’s continued absence, Onanuga pushed back on suggestions that the President must be seen constantly in public.

“Why must he be at all functions? Is it compulsory he must be at all functions? He has a deputy. He can delegate,” he said.
“Do you want him to be doing public parade or something?”

As concerns grow, the public remains divided — with some urging transparency around the President’s health and others trusting official reassurances.