Bola Tinubu: Is Nigeria’s President-Elect Sick 

President-elect, Bola Tinubu’s health has been a subject of discussion for several months. Ahead of the 25th of February Presidential elections, the media was filled with videos of Tinubu’s shaky hands and wet pants during the campaign season.

It was reported that Tinubu took ill after the hectic electioneering and was flown to Paris, France for treatment. This report was however debunked by the Director of Media and Publicity, All Progressive Congress Presidential Campaign Council, (APC, PCC) Bayo Onanuga. Onanuga claimed that Tinubu jetted out of the country for vacation and would also use the opportunity to go for Umrah (lesser Hajj) after observing the annual Muslim fast.

The reports and counterclaims have however left Nigerians with a question, Is Tinubu sick? Providing answers to these questions will be based on the examination of some reports. Let’s dive in.

What is the severity of Tinubu’s ailment?

A recent report revealed that Tinubu barred his aides, visitors, and handlers of his social media handles from using mobile phones not approved of in France to avoid revealing the severity of his ailment.

The report claimed that the President-elect is “afraid that there is someone in his inner circle revealing things to journalists.” It added that Tinubu’s people were trying to stop details about his health status from getting out as the inaugural ceremony scheduled for the 29th of May, draws near. The report also highlighted the alleged pee stains seen on Tinubu’s attire during a visit to the Awujale of Ijebuland.

Tinubu’s alleged urinary incontinence 

Earlier in February, a video made rounds on social media that suggested Tinubu peed in his pants. According to the video, Tinubu had his dress soaked behind as he stood to pay homage to Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Agbagha II in his Ijebu Ode’s palace and formally solicit his support.

The video also revealed that Tinubu’s security aide who stood at his back was covering his nose while attempting to cover his Principal. His alleged urinary incontinence could be a consequential complication of an enlarged prostate, diabetes, or Parkinson’s disease. 

Could Tinubu be suffering from Parkinson’s disease? 

After the party primaries that made him secure the All Progressive Congress presidential ticket, Tinubu reportedly staggered and almost fell when he stepped out to make his address at Eagle Square, the venue of the party’s convention.

It was also reported that the hands of the former Lagos governor were also visibly shaking. The visible trembling of hands and slur speeches generated speculations that it could be early stages of Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s disease which starts with a tremor in one hand can degenerate into amnesia, confusion in the evening hours, difficulty speaking, a blank stare, and dribbling of urine amongst many other symptoms.

Tinubu’s 2021 knee surgery

In 2021, Tinubu had surgery on his right knee and rigorous post-surgery physiotherapy on the same knee in the UK. The attending surgeon reported that his recuperation has been without complication and ahead of the schedule.

Reacting to the news of his surgery, Former Commissioner for Information in Edo state, Prince Kassim Afegbua noted that Tinubu’s fast recovery after the knee cap replacement shows that Tinubu is not suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure. 

He said, “If a man of his age can do a knee cap replacement surgery openly and within three to four months, he could walk with that knee cap, that means he doesn’t have diabetes and he doesn’t suffer from high blood pressure. Once you don’t suffer from these things, every other thing can be managed.”

As Nigerians grapple with all these reports, it is important to note that there has been no official statement from Tinubu or his representatives about his health. Without any official confirmation, it is impossible to say for certain whether Tinubu is sick or not.