By Faith Chondol
The African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has alleged that President Bola Tinubu is receiving medical treatment in France, contrary to the Presidency’s account of his European trip.
Sowore made the claim in a post on X formerly twitter on Sunday, September 20th 2026, while reacting to Tinubu’s decision not to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The Presidency had announced that Vice President Kashim Shettima would represent Tinubu and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the UNGA, where he is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements.
Sowore alleged that Tinubu’s absence from the UNGA was connected to what he described as concerns over possible legal action by United States authorities relating to a past U.S. forfeiture case involving the President.
He also disputed the Presidency’s explanation that Tinubu is on a three-week annual leave and working vacation in Europe, alleging instead that the President is undergoing medical treatment in France.
The Presidency has not confirmed the medical-treatment allegation. Official State House statements have described Tinubu’s stay in France as part of his working vacation.
On September 18, the State House said French President Emmanuel Macron received Tinubu for a private dinner at the Élysée Palace, while another official statement said the President held talks with Bolloré Group executives in Paris on investments in Nigeria’s creative and digital economy.
The Presidency has also rejected suggestions that Tinubu’s absence from the UNGA is due to any restriction on his ability to travel to the United States. Presidential aide Ademola Osodi said the absence would not diminish Nigeria’s diplomatic standing or its role in African affairs.
Shettima arrived in New York on Monday to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st UNGA. He said Nigeria’s engagements would be guided by national interest and its commitment to multilateralism.
Tinubu’s absence means Shettima will represent him at the General Assembly for the third consecutive year, following similar representation in 2024 and 2025.
As of Monday 21st September 2026, Sowore’s claim that Tinubu is receiving medical treatment in France remains unconfirmed by the Presidency or independently verified evidence.
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