Nigeria’s presidency moved to reassure the public that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains in good health and fully capable of carrying out official duties, following a brief stumbling incident during his state visit to Türkiye earlier this week.
Officials said the moment occurred on January 27, 2026, when President Tinubu was being welcomed at a ceremonial reception in Ankara alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Video of the event showed the Nigerian leader momentarily losing his balance before quickly regaining his footing and continuing with the program. 
In a statement released by the presidency, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication Sunday Dare confirmed that President Tinubu proceeded with scheduled meetings immediately after the reception, and that the stumble had no impact on his engagement with Turkish officials. 
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga explained that the incident was caused by the president stepping on a metal object on the ground and described it as a minor misstep rather than a fall. The statement emphasized that the visit’s diplomatic agenda, including discussions on defence cooperation trade and investment, continues as planned. 
The presidency urged the public to avoid sensationalist interpretations of the footage circulating on social media, underscoring that the president remains hale and hearty and that the state visit is progressing smoothly.
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