The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore, has alleged that President Bola Tinubu is receiving medical treatment in France, despite being presented as though he is on vacation.
Sowore made the allegation in a post on X on Sunday while reacting to Tinubu’s absence from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
“Tinubu is not on vacation; he is receiving treatment in France, and they will package him to return as though nothing happened,” Sowore wrote.
The Presidency has said Tinubu is in France as part of his three-week annual leave in Europe. Tinubu travelled to Europe on August 30, with London as his first destination, before proceeding to Paris. The State House also reported that he held official engagements in Paris, including a meeting with Vincent Bolloré on September 18.
Tinubu’s absence from the 81st UNGA was confirmed on Sunday, with Vice President Kashim Shettima directed to lead Nigeria’s delegation to New York.
Sowore also alleged that Tinubu’s failure to attend the UN General Assembly was due to an alleged fear that the United States government could order his arrest over what he described as a past drug-dealing case.
Sowore criticised what he described as secrecy surrounding Tinubu’s activities in France, saying Nigerians and government supporters had accepted the situation.
He compared the situation with the handling of former Presidents Umaru Yar’Adua and Muhammadu Buhari, alleging that secrecy and carefully managed public appearances were being repeated.
“There is something inherently wrong with Nigeria,” Sowore said.
Tinubu receiving treatment in France, not on vacation — Sowore