Nigeria’s President-Elect Tinibu Denies Reports of Ill Health, Says He Traveled Abroad to Rest

Nigeria's president-elect Bola Tinubu has dismissed media reports of ill health, which emerged following his trip to Europe on Tuesday.

His spokesperson Tunde Rahman said the president-elect traveled to France and the UK to rest and plan his transition programme after “a very exhaustive campaign and election season.”

“The President-elect decided to take a break after the hectic campaign and election season to rest in Paris and London, preparatory to going to Saudi Arabia for Umrah (Lesser Hajj) and the Ramadan Fasting that begins Thursday,” Rahman said in a statement.

“While away, the President-elect will also use the opportunity to plan his transition programme. He is expected back in the country soon.”

Tinubu whose victory in last month's disputed presidential election is being challenged in court by two of his closest opponents will be inaugurated on May 29th if the petitions are dismissed.

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labor Party (LP) have both filed separate cases at the Presidential Election Tribunal against him.

During some campaign appearances, the 70-year-old former governor of Lagos appeared frail but he repeatedly brushed aside concerns about his health.

His frequent travels overseas continue to fuel speculations on his health status, having made several unannounced trips to Paris and London before the commencement of campaigns in 2022.