Paul Ibe, media adviser to African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has challenged President Bola Tinubu’s capacity to pursue another term after a video from an Akwa Ibom State campaign rally appeared to show the president briefly losing his balance.
Key takeaways
- A widely shared social-media clip showed Tinubu seeming to stagger as he headed toward his convoy after the rally.
- The footage prompted online debate over the president’s health and his ability to handle the pressures of office.
- Ibe said the incident raised questions about Tinubu’s readiness for another presidential campaign and a further four-year mandate.
- He called on First Lady Remi Tinubu and the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu, to encourage him not to run in 2027.
Video fuels questions over second-term bid
The video, now circulating across social-media platforms, captured Tinubu walking toward his vehicle convoy after the Akwa Ibom presidential rally, when he appeared to momentarily lose his footing.
The images generated broad public reaction, with some Nigerians questioning the president’s physical condition and whether he can continue to meet the demands attached to the presidency.
Ibe urges family intervention
In a post on X, Ibe argued that the episode should force the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to confront concerns over Tinubu’s ability to withstand the rigours of both a new election campaign and a second term in office.
He appealed directly to Remi Tinubu and Seyi Tinubu, saying they were among the people closest to the president and should offer candid advice that, in his view, the APC was unwilling to provide.
“Tinubu’s latest campaign appearance raises a question the APC can no longer brush aside. Is he up to the demands of another presidential campaign and a second term?” Ibe wrote.
He added: “Aunty Remi and Seyi, you are among those closest to him. Give him the honest counsel his party seems unwilling to offer. Urge him to step out of the race with dignity.”
