APC Debunks Rumor Of President Tinubu Traveling To London For Treatment

The ruling party of Nigeria, All Progressives Congress (APC), debunked rumors about President Bola Tinubu's visit to London for medical treatment.

"Why is it that every time the president travels, people will speculate that he went for treatment? Yet, not once did any of these speculations come to pass," APC's Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim told Punch on Wednesday.

Ibrahim noted that every speculation against President Tinubu didn't materialize, adding that everyone should just drop the mentality of the president being sick.

"When you investigate, you will discover those making these silly statements are not doctors," he added. "Some are even mechanics. Who is healthy? They should even look at what nature is doing. About three of the speculators have died while the man is moving."

The director of publicity appealed that people should "stop challenging God," noting that nobody in this world is 100 percent healthy. He also recalled the president's statement, where he said he is contesting to be president, not the kick-boxer of Nigeria.

"He is doing his job as the Constitution requires," Ibrahim shared. "We all saw how he stood on the podium for hours during his inauguration. He took the salute, oath of office, and allegiance, and even inspected the guard of honor. I think we should cut the man some slack."

In a separate interview with Punch, a former coordinator of the party named Dr. Ene Ogbole also shared the same sentiments, noting that these health-related speculations are not new.

"That rumor is not new. In fact, if we were to go by speculations and fabrications, I don't think the President should be alive today," Ogbole said. "Because there were countless insinuations, rumors and lies here and there. He went strictly on official duty, which was expected of him."

She added, "It is his constitutional responsibility to liaise with other countries of the world. After all, the world is a global village. Things are interwoven. People relate for economic, political, climate and several other reasons. So, he has gone for his assignment as we have seen so far and he will be back."

Dr. Ogbole noted that any person can fall ill, revealing that even she has arthritis in her legs and she can't walk properly. While explaining that her age is more than 40, she pointed out that there are many younger people who are falling ill and developing arthritis, dislocation or fracture.

"In fact, anything can happen. We are humans and not machines," she continued. "Even machines develop faults. So, what is wrong with him going to the hospital? But that is not the case. He has only gone for a meeting and will come back to move Nigeria forward in a positive direction."

The statements came after Tinubu, who was supposed to return to Abuja from the Paris summit on Saturday, went to London for a private visit. However, Tinubu returned to Nigeria on Tuesday, ahead of Eid al-Adha celebrations.