Too Much Ado Over Tinubu’s Health

By Philip Ibitoye

The Nigerian presidential seat has accommodated a number of physically infirm people over the years. Former President Musa Yar’adua’s battle with a kidney problem was no exception. Unfortunately, the struggle proved to be one he could not overcome, as he passed away in office in May 2010. But his illness was not the only issue at play during his presidency. The secrecy surrounding his health status was shrouded in mystery and only fueled distrust among the people. This period of uncertainty and power struggles, as the ruling elite tried to limit the authority of Acting President Goodluck Jonathan, was a trying time for the country as a whole.

Just as the nation thought they had finally put the spectre of a sick president behind them with the passing of Yar’adua, fate dealt them another blow. When President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office, little did they know that their country would once again be plunged into a period of uncertainty and worry. In 2017, President Buhari spent an extended stay in a hospital in the United Kingdom, for an ailment that was kept under wraps from the public. The veil of secrecy surrounding the leader’s health, once again, left the citizens of Nigeria in the dark and anxious about the fate of their nation. It was another trying time for the nation as they were left to wonder about the health and well-being of the man at the helm.

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As the 2023 general elections loom on the horizon, the topic of health has become a central concern for many Nigerians. The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has found himself at the centre of these discussions. In October 2021, Tinubu underwent knee surgery in the United Kingdom, which sparked a frenzy of speculation and rumours about his health. While the former Lagos governor was away, whispers of a major health scare circulated, but it turned out to be nothing more than a false alarm. Nevertheless, the incident only served to amplify the public’s concerns about the health and fitness of those vying for the highest office in the country.

Since his surgery in late 2021 and subsequent recovery, Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been a force to be reckoned with. Before the APC presidential primary election, Tinubu, the then-aspirant, crisscrossed the nation consulting with party leaders, showing no signs of slowing down. And after securing the party’s nomination for president, he has been even more active, hitting the campaign trail with renewed vigour and energy. The former Lagos governor’s determination and resilience have been on full display as he tirelessly works to win the hearts and minds of the Nigerian people.

As the campaign season heats up, Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been a whirlwind of activity. He has traversed the length and breadth of the nation, visiting more than a dozen states for rallies and town halls. His rigorous schedule, with constant travels and public engagements, has put his physical stamina to the test. But for a man of 70 years, Tinubu has been nothing short of remarkable. He has shown that age is just a number, as he continues to go strong, physically, without any assistance. His determination and resilience have become a defining characteristic of his campaign, inspiring many and leaving a lasting impression on all those he has met along the way.

Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with. His undeniable physical strength has silenced any speculations that he is not healthy enough to take on the job of president. He has shown that he has the stamina and fortitude to endure the gruelling demands of the highest office in the land. His ability to traverse the nation and engage with the people has been a testament to his fitness and readiness for the job. With Tinubu at the helm, one can be assured that the presidency will be in capable hands, both physically and mentally.

As the election draws near, the topic of health has become a central concern for many voters. While it is understandable for them to be concerned about the well-being of those they entrust with power, the buzz around Tinubu’s health is nothing but mere noise with no real substance. He has repeatedly passed the test of public appearances, proving that he has the physical stamina to handle the demands of the presidency. Instead of wasting precious time discussing a non-issue, voters should be focusing on vital policy questions that will shape the future of their nation. It is essential that they make an informed decision by examining the candidate’s stances on critical issues that affect the country, instead of getting caught up in baseless rumours and speculations.

As the nation faces the daunting task of choosing its next leader, it is essential to remember the pressing issues that need to be addressed. For instance, 130 million Nigerians are mired in a state of multidimensional poverty, while the inflation rate has remained stubbornly high, hovering above 20% for over a year. These two issues paint a clear and dire picture of the economic mess that Nigeria finds itself in. It is imperative that the country elects a president with creative solutions to tackle these pressing economic woes. A leader who can think outside the box and come up with innovative ideas to lift the nation out of its current predicament is what Nigeria needs now more than ever.