Tinubu Türkiye visit stumble downplayed by Presidency
The Presidency has played down a brief stumble by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a ceremonial welcome in Ankara, Türkiye, insisting that it was a minor incident and has not affected the planned state visit or his health. The moment occurred as the Nigerian leader was walking beside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during a formal reception. Video clips that circulated widely on social media show Tinubu momentarily losing his footing before quickly regaining his balance and continuing with the ceremony. Nigerian presidential aides clarified that the stumble happened after he stepped on a metal object or uneven carpet, which briefly made him lose balance, and insisted that there was no fall caused by a health problem. Presidential spokesmen, including Bayo Onanuga and Sunday Dare, reassured Nigerians that Tinubu was in “great shape,” and that he immediately proceeded with scheduled bilateral meetings without interruption. The Presidency urged the public to disregard speculations and sensational interpretations of the incident, emphasizing that his official engagements and the objectives of the state visit, which are focused on strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and Türkiye, are continuing smoothly and on course. Officials also noted that the visit holds strategic significance for expanding cooperation in trade, investment, defence and infrastructure, and that the minor stumble should not overshadow the diplomatic agenda.
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