President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after a four-week working vacation in Europe, dismissing concerns about his health and declaring that he is ready to resume his official and political engagements.
Tinubu spoke to journalists on Tuesday after arriving in Lagos from France, where he spent the final part of his trip.
Responding to questions about concerns over his health, the President said there was nothing wrong with him.
“Ready to kick, ready to walk. There’s nothing wrong. Rumour will always be emanating from politics, but the facts remain: I’m here. Healthy, sound, and ready to go,” Tinubu said.
The President’s aircraft landed at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, at about 6:22 p.m.
He was received by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Ibrahim Masari.
A cultural troupe was also at the airport to welcome the President.
Tinubu’s arrival was confirmed by his Special Assistant on Social Media, Olusegun Dada, who posted on X: “Landing. Welcome home, Mr President!”
He later shared a video of the President being received by senior government officials and political leaders, describing it as Tinubu’s return to Lagos after his European vacation.
Tinubu departed Abuja on August 30 for the working vacation. He initially spent about a week in London before travelling to Paris, France.
His return ended a period of public discussion over his extended stay abroad and the decision not to formally transfer presidential powers to Vice President Kashim Shettima during the trip.
Earlier on Tuesday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced that Tinubu had departed Paris for Lagos.
According to the Presidency, Tinubu chose to return to Lagos first to honour the memory of the late Chief MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 1993 presidential election and a prominent figure in Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
The President is expected to attend the October 1 premiere of a movie commemorating Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos.
The Presidency also said Tinubu would hold meetings with political leaders and associates in Lagos as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.
“While in Lagos, President Tinubu will also hold strategic meetings with political leaders and associates over several days in preparation for the 2027 elections,” the statement said.
During his European working vacation, Tinubu held several engagements, including a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.
He also met business leaders, including Vincent Bolloré of the Bolloré Group, whose interests span media and digital businesses such as Canal+, MultiChoice and Universal Music Group.
The President also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ogun State Government and DP World for the proposed development of a Gateway deep seaport in Ogun Waterside and a Blue Marine Economic Zone.
The Presidency said DP World plans to invest $7 billion in the proposed seaport and economic zone.
On Monday evening, Tinubu also met with Femi Otedola, Chairman of First Holdings, as part of his engagements before returning to Nigeria.
