In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, Sowore stated that Tinubu’s health condition necessitated the trip, arguing that the president was merely “managing himself” before his sudden departure.
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is unwell and was hurriedly flown out of Nigeria to Europe for medical reasons.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, Sowore stated that Tinubu’s health condition necessitated the trip, arguing that the president was merely “managing himself” before his sudden departure.
Sowore also raised concerns about the health of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, alleging that he is gravely ill, and questioned why the country continues to be governed by leaders battling serious health challenges.
“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?” Sowore wrote.
While stressing that illness itself is not a crime, the activist criticised what he described as the practice of using Nigeria as “health insurance” for leaders who seek medical care abroad.
“And whereas nothing is wrong with illnesses it is callous to use a country as health insurance for sick leaders,” he added.
Earlier on Sunday, SaharaReporters reported that President Tinubu had departed Lagos for a trip to Europe.
A statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy on Sunday, described the trip as continuation of “his end-of-year break and ahead of his official trip to Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates”.
While the President’s specific European destination was officially withheld, SaharaReporters has repeatedly reported that his previous trips to Paris were, in reality, disguised medical visits.
“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 statement said.
“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.”
According to the statement, the President will return to the country after the Summit.
A recent video from Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, showed Senate President Akpabio appearing weak as he exited a vehicle, fueling speculation about his health.
Earlier reports claimed he was flown abroad for treatment, but Akpabio later denied being ill, insisting he only took a brief vacation in London after official duties in Geneva.
Upon arrival, he was welcomed by senators, aides, and supporters at the presidential wing in Abuja, where he expressed excitement to be back.
In interviews, Akpabio emphasized that he was healthy and actively engaged in legislative duties, denying the illness reports.