Sowore Says Tinubu Is in France for Treatment. Presidency Says He Is Working

A fresh claim by African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has reopened debate over President Bola Tinubu’s prolonged stay in Europe.

Sowore alleged that the President is receiving medical treatment in France rather than simply observing the working vacation announced by the Presidency.

ValidViewNetwork can confirm that the treatment allegation has not been independently established.

Sowore made the claim while reacting to Tinubu’s decision not to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Reports of his allegation said he claimed Tinubu was receiving treatment in France and was not merely on vacation. The Presidency has maintained a different account. It has described Tinubu’s absence as part of his annual leave and working vacation in Europe.

What Sowore said

Sowore alleged that Tinubu was receiving medical treatment in France. He also questioned the President’s absence from the UN General Assembly and linked the absence to another allegation concerning possible legal difficulties in the United States.

That second claim is also an allegation by Sowore and has not been independently established. ValidViewNetwork reports that neither allegation should be presented as established fact without supporting evidence.

What the Presidency has said

The Presidency has consistently described Tinubu’s European trip as a three-week annual leave and working vacation.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Tinubu was “hale and hearty” and had continued working from Europe.

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Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for Europe, with London announced as his first destination. His originally announced three-week vacation later extended beyond September 21.

The President also did not attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima representing Nigeria at official engagements.

The Presidency has pointed to meetings and investment discussions conducted by Tinubu while abroad as evidence that he remained engaged with government and economic matters.

Reports also said Tinubu held official engagements in Paris during the period of his stay.

What is established and what is not

There are two separate issues. The first is Tinubu’s extended stay in Europe and the Presidency’s public explanation of the trip.

The second is the allegation that he is receiving medical treatment in France. ValidViewNetwork can confirm that the second claim remains an allegation. There is no independently established public medical evidence in the material reviewed for this report that proves Sowore’s claim.

The Presidency’s position is that the President is healthy and working.Sowore’s position is different. The appropriate distinction, therefore, is between what has been publicly stated and what has been independently established. ValidViewNetwork reports.