‘I Enjoyed Myself, Ready to Kick’: Tinubu Speaks After Returning From Europe Vacation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after spending about four weeks in Europe, dismissing concerns about his health and declaring that he is “healthy, sound and ready to go.”

Tinubu spoke with journalists on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, shortly after arriving at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos from Paris, France, where he spent the latter part of his extended European stay.

Asked about his experience during the vacation, the President responded briefly, saying: “I enjoyed myself. Fantastic.”

He was subsequently asked about concerns and rumours surrounding his health that had circulated during the latter part of his stay abroad.

Tinubu responded:

“Ready to kick, ready to walk. There’s nothing wrong.”

He added that political rumours were inevitable, insisting that the situation on the ground was different from the claims circulating in some quarters.

“Rumour will always be emanating from politics, but the fact remains, I’m here. Healthy, sound, and ready to go.”

Tinubu Returns After Extended European Stay

Tinubu departed Abuja on August 30 for what the Presidency initially described as a three-week annual vacation. He first travelled to London before proceeding to Paris, where he remained for the final phase of his trip.

The Presidency later announced an extension of his stay, describing the period as a working vacation and maintaining that the President remained in contact with developments in Nigeria and continued to direct government affairs while abroad.

His return on Tuesday brought his European stay to approximately four weeks.

The President arrived in Lagos at about 6:22 p.m. aboard Nigerian Air Force One. Several senior political figures were present to receive him, including Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Health Rumours Had Generated Public Debate

Tinubu’s comments came against the backdrop of speculation about his health during his prolonged stay in Europe.

The extended absence generated discussion across Nigeria, with political actors and members of the public raising questions about the President’s condition and the reasons for the extension of his stay.

The Presidency repeatedly maintained that Tinubu was well and continued to perform his responsibilities while abroad. Tinubu’s latest comments in Lagos represent his own direct response to those concerns.

It is important, however, to distinguish the President’s statement from independently verified medical information: Tinubu said he was healthy and fit to resume his duties, but his brief remarks did not provide medical details or documentation.

Official Engagements During the Trip

Although described as a vacation, Tinubu’s European stay included several official and diplomatic engagements.

In France, he held a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron and met business figures, including Bolloré Group chairman Vincent Bolloré and First HoldCo Plc chairman Femi Otedola.

He also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ogun State Government and DP World concerning the development of the Gateway Deep Sea Port in Ogun Waterside and a Blue Marine Economic Zone. The project was reported as potentially attracting about $7 billion in investment.

Tinubu’s absence also coincided with the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria and delivered the country’s national statement.

The decision for Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation generated political debate, particularly concerning the constitutional implications of the President’s extended absence. Opposition figures raised questions about Section 145 of the Constitution, while the Presidency defended the arrangement and maintained that Tinubu remained engaged in governing the country.

President Expected to Resume Activities in Nigeria

Following his return, Tinubu is expected to participate in activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1.

Among the events on his schedule is the premiere of a production honouring the late Chief MKO Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Lagos. He is also expected to hold meetings in Lagos before returning to Abuja.

His return also comes at a politically significant period, with attention increasingly focused on the 2027 general elections and the activities of major political parties.

For now, however, Tinubu’s message following his return is straightforward: he says he enjoyed his time in Europe, is healthy and intends to get back to work.

President Bola Tinubu’s return from his extended European vacation has ended weeks of public discussion surrounding his prolonged stay abroad and speculation about his health.

Speaking briefly after arriving in Lagos, the President sought to put the matter to rest by declaring himself “healthy, sound, and ready to go.”

Whether his return will translate into a renewed pace of government activity will become clearer through his official engagements and decisions in the coming weeks.