human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore has claimed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was unwell and rushed from Nigeria to Europe for medical reasons. In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, Sowore said Tinubu’s health necessitated his trip and he believed the president was simply “managing himself” before his sudden departure.
Sowore also expressed concern over the health of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, claiming he was seriously ill and questioned why the country continues to be governed by a leader battling serious health challenges.
“Nigeria’s Bola Ahmed Tinubu was just managing himself and wasn’t feeling well so he suddenly flew to “Europe” today @Senator_Akpabio is dying, why is Nigeria ruled by sick people? “ Sower wrote.
While stressing that illness itself is not a crime, the activist criticized what he said was the use of Nigeria’s “health insurance” as a leader traveling abroad for medical treatment.
“While there is nothing wrong with illness, using a country as health insurance for an ailing leader is callous.,” he added.
Earlier on Sunday, SaharaReporters reported that President Tinubu had left Lagos for Europe.
A statement on Sunday from Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser to the president for information and strategy, said the visit was “a continuation of his year-end sabbatical and official visit to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.”
While the president’s specific European destination is officially withheld, SaharaReporters has repeatedly reported that his previous trips to Paris were actually medical visits in disguise.
“His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, has invited President Tinubu to participate in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026 (ADSW 2026) Summit, which will be held in the emirate in early January,” the statement said.
“The week-long summit is an annual event that mobilizes leaders from government, business and society to jointly plan for the next era of sustainability.
“ADSW’s theme, ‘The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go,’ will connect ambition with action in innovation, finance and people, showing how the world can move forward with confidence.”
The statement said the president would return home after the summit.
A recent video in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, showed Senate President Akpabio looking weak as he got out of a car, sparking speculation about his health.
Earlier reports said he was flown abroad for treatment, but Akpabio later denied being ill, insisting he was only on a short break in London after official duties in Geneva.
Upon arrival, he was welcomed by senators, aides and supporters at the Presidential Palace in Abuja, where he expressed excitement to be back.
In an interview, Akpabio emphasized that he was in good health and actively engaged in legislative duties, denying reports of illness.
