Sowore alleges Tinubu is hospitalised in France, while the Presidency says the President is hale and hearty and continuing his working vacation
ABUJA, Nigeria, September 29, 2026: African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is hospitalised in France, a claim the Presidency has rejected as Tinubu continues an extended working vacation in the country.
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Sowore made the allegation on Monday during an interview on ARISE Television’s Prime Time, citing what he described as information from reliable sources.
“Reliable sources have said Tinubu is undergoing treatment in France,” Sowore said, adding that he did not know the nature of the alleged ailment.
Sowore linked his claim to Tinubu’s prolonged absence from Nigeria and questioned the explanation surrounding the President’s stay abroad.
He also drew comparisons with the administrations of former Presidents Umaru Yar’Adua and Muhammadu Buhari, during which presidential health and periods of prolonged absence generated significant public debate.
According to Sowore, some of Tinubu’s appearances were intended to reassure Nigerians despite what he alleged was a serious health situation.
“I’ve been in the US for the last two weeks, and I was also monitoring what was happening at the United Nations General Assembly,” he said.
Sowore did not provide publicly verifiable medical evidence during the interview to substantiate his claim that Tinubu had been hospitalised.
The Presidency has presented a different account of Tinubu’s stay in France.
The State House said Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for London for a working vacation before travelling to Paris, where he continued official engagements.
The Presidency announced on September 21 that his stay had been extended by a few days.
During his time in Paris, Tinubu held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.
He also participated in discussions connected with investment and infrastructure projects involving Nigeria.
On September 24, the State House reported that Tinubu attended the signing of memoranda of understanding involving the Ogun State Government and DP World concerning the proposed Gateway Deep Seaport and Blue Marine Special Economic Zone.
The Presidency has maintained that Tinubu has continued to discharge his responsibilities while abroad.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the President was “hale and hearty” and rejected speculation surrounding his health.
The State House had earlier said Tinubu remained in contact with officials in Nigeria and continued directing government affairs during his working vacation.
It cited, among other matters, his directive for an independent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State.
Tinubu’s extended stay abroad has nevertheless generated political and legal questions, particularly after the President did not attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the gathering.
The issue has also attracted criticism from opposition figures, with questions raised about the length of the President’s absence and the extent to which Nigerians should be informed about his activities while abroad.
For now, the competing accounts remain clear. Sowore alleges that Tinubu is receiving medical treatment in France, but of hospitalisation remains unverified. has not publicly produced evidence establishing the claim.
The Presidency says Tinubu is healthy, working from France and continuing his official responsibilities.
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Until independent evidence emerges, the allegation of hospitalisation remains unverified.
