2027: Tinubu Returns from Europe, Declares ‘I’m Healthy, Ready to Go’

President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after four weeks in Europe, declaring that he is “healthy, sound, and ready to go” amid concerns that had followed his prolonged absence from the country.

Tinubu arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 6.22 p.m. on Tuesday, shortly after ending his working vacation in France.

Asked by journalists about concerns over his health, the President dismissed the speculation and insisted that there was nothing wrong with him.

“Ready to kick, ready to walk. There’s nothing wrong. Rumour will always be emanating from politics, but the facts remain: I’m here. Healthy, sound, and ready to go,” Tinubu said.

His return followed an extended working vacation that began on August 30, when he left Abuja for London. He spent about a week in the United Kingdom before proceeding to Paris, where he continued his official and business engagements.

The Presidency had initially announced a three-week vacation but later said Tinubu would extend his stay by a few days.

The prolonged absence generated political debate, particularly after the President did not attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. The Presidency had maintained that Tinubu remained in contact with officials at home and continued to direct government business while abroad.

On his return to Lagos, Tinubu was received by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

The Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Ibrahim Masari, and other senior government and political figures were also at the airport to receive him.

The arrival marked the end of a four-week European stay that combined the President’s private engagements with meetings focused on investment and economic development.

In Paris, Tinubu held a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron and met business leaders, including Vincent Bolloré of the Bolloré Group.

He also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ogun State Government and DP World for the development of the Gateway Deep Seaport and a Blue Marine Economic Zone in Ogun Waterside.

The proposed project carries a planned investment of $7 billion, according to the Presidency.

On Monday, Tinubu met with Femi Otedola, Chairman of First HoldCo Plc, in Paris.

The President’s return to Lagos also begins a fresh round of political engagements ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Presidency said Tinubu would hold strategic meetings with political leaders and associates during his stay in Lagos as preparations for the elections gather pace.

He is also scheduled to participate in activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary on October 1.

One of the major engagements will be the premiere of a film honouring the late Chief MKO Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.

The Presidency said Tinubu chose to return through Lagos to honour Abiola, the winner of the June 1993 presidential election and a prominent figure in Nigeria’s democratic struggle.

Tinubu’s return also comes after the Presidency had sought to calm concerns over his extended stay abroad.

Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had earlier described the President as “hale and hearty” and said his absence from Abuja did not prevent him from performing his official duties.

With the President now back in the country, attention is expected to shift to his planned Lagos engagements, including political consultations and activities marking the Independence anniversary.

Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja after completing his engagements in Lagos.