LAGOS, Nigeria – Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), took to Twitter on Saturday, April 15, 2023, to express concerns over the whereabouts and health status of Nigeria’s President-elect, Bola Tinubu.
Sowore challenged the claims made by Tinubu’s aides that the President-elect was in Mecca performing the hajj, stating that Tinubu was not seen at the holy site. He also questioned why details about Tinubu’s location and health have been withheld from the public.
In a series of tweets, Sowore wrote: “Tinubu @officialABAT wasn’t seen anywhere in Mecca (some of his handlers claimed he briefly travelled there). But he was never with @mbuhari and his tightly control apparitions in France are largely controlled but unverifiable sightings. What’s Tinubu’s real health condition? Why is everything hidden since his selection and departure to France where he seems to be on an Island?”
Bola Tinubu @officialABAT wasn’t seen anywhere in Mecca (some of his handlers claimed he briefly traveled there) but he was never with @mbuhari and his tightly control apparitions in France are largely controlled but unverifiable sightings. What’s Tinubu’s real health condition?… pic.twitter.com/OyS0fJN0is
— Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) April 15, 2023
The concerns raised by Sowore have fueled speculation among Nigerians, who are now demanding transparency about the President-elect’s health and whereabouts. Tinubu’s team has yet to respond to these concerns publicly.
As the nation awaits an official response from Tinubu’s camp, political analysts highlight the importance of transparency in the democratic process, particularly regarding the health and well-being of the nation’s leaders.
The outcome of this situation could have significant implications for the President-elect’s administration and its relationship with the Nigerian public.
EXPOSED: Bola Tinubu Restricts Aides’ Phone Use Over Fears Of Leak On Worsening Health Status
In an attempt to maintain privacy around his medical condition, Nigeria’s President-elect Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has imposed restrictions on the use of mobile phones by his aides, visitors, and social media handlers.
According to sources close to Tinubu, only devices approved by him are permitted for use while in France, SaharaReporters report.
Tinubu had traveled to Europe in March, seeking medical treatment after falling ill during the intense election season, which led to his victory as president-elect. The stress of the campaign and the March 18 Lagos State governorship and House of Assembly elections reportedly contributed to his condition.
Tunde Rahman, Tinubu’s spokesperson, acknowledged the president-elect’s trips to Paris and the UK, explaining that he intended to rest and prepare the transition program leading up to his May 29, 2023 inauguration. Rahman further revealed that Tinubu would be visiting Saudi Arabia for lesser hajj at a later date.
A confidential source disclosed to the online media platform that Tinubu has prohibited his aides and associates in France from utilizing unapproved mobile phones. The president-elect is reportedly concerned about potential leaks of his health status to the media as the inauguration date approaches.
“He is afraid that there is someone in his inner circle revealing things to journalists, and as May 29 gets nearer, his people are trying to prevent details about his health status from getting out,” the source said.
Tinubu’s health has been a topic of speculation, with various reports of him receiving medical care in France, the United States, and the UK, undergoing several surgeries between 2020 and 2022.
In August 2022, President Buhari visited Tinubu in London, where Tinubu was seen using a walking stick, seemingly confirming rumours of a second surgery.
As the inauguration date approaches, it remains to be seen how much information about Tinubu’s health will be disclosed to the public.
Transparency in the health status of elected public officials is essential for fostering trust and ensuring stability within a democratic society. When a leader’s health is in question, it can create uncertainty and raise concerns about their ability to perform the duties of their office. By openly disclosing their health status, elected officials can demonstrate their commitment to accountability and reassure the public about their capacity to govern effectively.
For instance, Nigeria’s former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was in office from 2010 to 2015, disclosed his health status on multiple occasions, setting a precedent for transparency.
Similarly, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo of Nigeria underwent knee surgery in February 2022 and was open about his medical procedure, allaying concerns about his capacity to fulfil his responsibilities.
In the United States, following a tradition of transparency and public accountability, President Joe Biden has been forthcoming about his health, providing regular updates and allowing his physician to release a full report in November 2021. The report was recently updated in February 2023.
This transparency reassures citizens of their leaders’ well-being and emphasises the importance of trust and openness in democratic systems.
By sharing their health status, elected officials like President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and President Biden, and several US presidents before him, set an example for other leaders to follow.
Such openness helps to build public trust and maintain stability in the face of uncertainty, ultimately contributing to the strength and resilience of democratic systems around the world.
