Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Presidency plays down Tinubu’s fall during walk with Turkish president

Mr Tinubu, 73, flanked on his left side by Mr Erdogan, missed his steps, staggered and fell down.

• January 27, 2026
President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu

The presidency has said that President Bola Tinubu is hale and hearty and proceeding with his scheduled state visit to Turkiye according to plan.

The update was disclosed on Tuesday by the special adviser to the president on media and public communication, Sunday Dare, on his verified X handle.

Mr Dare said the president proceeded from the ceremonial reception to scheduled bilateral meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other senior officials.

“President Tinubu, after a stately welcome ceremony in Ankara, proceeded to scheduled bilateral meetings with the President of Türkiye and other senior government officials,” the presidency said.

The meetings are aimed at deepening diplomatic relations and expanding cooperation across strategic sectors.

Areas of engagement include defence and security, trade and investment, energy, and broader economic development.

The smooth progression of the visit reflects growing ties between Nigeria and Türkiye and underscores Nigeria’s renewed diplomatic outreach under President Tinubu.

Meanwhile, the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, addressed enquiries on Tuesday regarding the president’s wellbeing in Ankara.

Mr Onanuga clarified that the president merely stepped on a an object, resulting in a minor loss of balance.

“The president stepped on a metal on the floor, which made him lose his balance,” Mr Onanuga said.

“This is not a big deal, except for those who want to make mischief out of a fleeting incident.”

“It was a mere stumble, thank God, not a fall,” he added.

The presidency urged the public to disregard attempts to sensationalise the minor incident, stressing that the president remains fit and fully engaged.

(NAN)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Economic Commission for Africa

Africa

ECA mobilises West African SMEs to strengthen rice value chains

The initiative seeks to reduce West Africa’s dependence on external rice, boost intra-regional trade and strengthen food systems’ resilience over the medium and long term.

Senate

NationWide

Senate to hold national security summit October 12 

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the dates during plenary on Tuesday.

Mali's armed forces

Heading 5

Amnesty accuses Mali’s armed forces, Wagner officers of torturing, killing innocent civilians

Amnesty urged the Malian authorities to ensure comprehensive accountability for war crimes committed against communities.

Lagos State Sports Trust Fund

Lagos

Lagos sports fund focuses on talent development beyond football

Mr Oshodi said the LSSTF was also focusing on intellectual sports.

Fuel pump

NationWide

Federal workers back call for N500 per litre of petrol

Mr Emelieze said the resolutions followed an online general meeting of federal workers held on Sunday.