Presidency dismisses Tinubu’s stumble in Ankara as minor incident

The Presidency on Tuesday played down reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu tripped during a reception in Ankara, Türkiye, describing the incident as a minor stumble that did not in any way disrupt his official engagements.

President Tinubu, who is on a state visit to Türkiye, reportedly lost his balance briefly during a reception organised in his honour in Ankara, sparking reactions across social and traditional media platforms.

Reacting privately to the incident, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the President merely stepped on an object on the floor and momentarily lost his balance.

He stressed that the development was neither serious nor consequential, adding that the President remained unharmed and continued with his scheduled programme.

Officials around him on the trip have said President Tinubu remained fully engaged in his official activities in Ankara, holding meetings and participating in events lined up for the state visit, which is aimed at strengthening diplomatic, economic, and strategic ties between Nigeria and Türkiye.