Politics
2027: President Tinubu, Health Rumours, Politics And Response of Confidence and Responsibility
2027: President Tinubu, Health Rumours, Politics And Response of Confidence and Responsibility
By: Dr James Bwala
Rumours about the health of Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have travelled far and wide, especially in the camps of the opposition, who speak about it with pride and confidence. Within the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC corners talks and whispers rent the humid air with silent prayers. But it is common for everyone to fall sick, with no barrier between the mighty and the lowly. The rich and the poor all have tasted it either way. In politically competitive environments, sadly, it becomes a celebration of sorts to see an opponent in a weakening state, even if it is illness. So the rumours take the air about President Tinubu. This has generated anxiety, affected public confidence, and distracted attention from important national issues with such mindless imagination in politics. However, at the end of his vacation in the United Kingdom and France, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed speculation about his health during an interview in Lagos. In a brief but confident statement, he said, “I enjoyed myself. Ready to kick, ready to walk – there is nothing wrong. Rumours will always be emanating from politics, but the fact remains I am here healthy, sound and ready to go.”
The president’s response was more than a personal denial. It was a direct attempt to reassure Nigerians, challenge opposition narratives, and redirect public attention toward the responsibilities of governance. His words presented a picture of a leader who was physically active, mentally prepared, and willing to continue discharging his duties. While public officials must be open and accountable about matters that affect their ability to govern, the president’s statement also reminds the public that political rumours should not automatically be treated as facts.
The central strength of President Tinubu’s response was its simplicity. Rather than offering a long explanation or engaging in an extended argument with his critics, he used a few direct words to communicate confidence. The expressions “ready to kick” and “ready to walk” conveyed energy, mobility, and readiness. His declaration that there was “nothing wrong” was intended to remove doubts and reassure citizens who might have been concerned by reports circulating in political and media circles.
In an age when public figures often respond to rumours with lengthy statements, legal threats, or aggressive attacks on their opponents, the president’s brief response was strategically effective. It demonstrated that he did not consider the claims serious enough to require an elaborate defence. By stating that he had enjoyed himself during his vacation and was returning healthy and sound, he presented himself as calm rather than defensive. This tone can be persuasive because confidence is often communicated not only through the content of a message but also through the manner in which it is delivered.
The president’s response also placed the rumours within the wider context of politics. His observation that “rumours will always be emanating from politics” acknowledged a reality of democratic competition. Opposition parties and political actors frequently scrutinise the government and may use every opportunity to question the competence, strength, or stability of those in power. Such scrutiny is legitimate when it is based on facts and directed toward the public interest. However, political competition can become harmful when it relies on unverified claims, personal attacks, or speculation about an individual’s private condition.
Health rumours are particularly sensitive because they concern both personal privacy and public responsibility. On one hand, every individual, including a president, has a right to dignity and reasonable privacy. On the other hand, the president’s health is a matter of national interest because the office involves demanding constitutional, administrative, and diplomatic responsibilities. Citizens are entitled to confidence that their leader is capable of carrying out those responsibilities. This balance requires transparency without sensationalism and accountability without cruelty.
President Tinubu’s statement attempted to achieve that balance by offering a direct public assurance. He did not dismiss the concerns of citizens as entirely irrelevant; rather, he addressed them by affirming his physical condition and readiness to work. His words suggested that Nigerians should judge his capacity through his visible activities and official performance, not through rumours circulated for political purposes.
The president’s response was also important because uncertainty can have consequences beyond public discussion. Persistent rumours about the health of a national leader may affect investor confidence, government morale, international perceptions, and the stability of political institutions. In a country facing economic pressures and social challenges, unnecessary uncertainty can deepen public anxiety. A clear message from the president can therefore help to reduce speculation and restore attention to policy matters.
Nevertheless, reassurance alone cannot permanently resolve questions about a leader’s health. In a modern democracy, trust is built through consistent transparency and observable performance. Citizens may accept a president’s statement, but they also expect to see evidence of effective leadership in the form of regular public engagements, active participation in government affairs, and the timely execution of official duties. Words are important, but they gain credibility when supported by action.
For this reason, the president’s assurance should be understood as the beginning of a broader responsibility rather than the end of the matter. If the administration wishes to prevent health rumours from recurring, it must maintain a clear and credible communication strategy. The presidency should provide timely information about the president’s official schedule, public engagements, and periods of absence. Such communication would not require the disclosure of private medical details. It would simply enable citizens to distinguish between legitimate information and politically motivated speculation.
The opposition, for its part, also has a responsibility to conduct itself with restraint. In a democracy, the opposition is expected to question government decisions, expose weaknesses, and offer alternative policies. It should not, however, rely on unverified health claims as a substitute for substantive criticism. The most effective opposition is one that challenges the government on issues such as economic management, unemployment, security, education, healthcare, and institutional accountability. Personal rumours may attract temporary attention, but they do little to advance national debate.
A political system becomes healthier when criticism is focused on performance rather than personal attacks. If the opposition believes that the president is unable to perform his duties, it should present credible evidence and use constitutional and democratic channels. If no such evidence exists, spreading rumours is irresponsible. It can damage not only the reputation of the president but also the credibility of the opposition and the stability of the nation.
The media also plays a major role in shaping public understanding of health-related claims. Journalists have a duty to verify information before publishing or broadcasting it. Sensational headlines based on anonymous sources, social media posts, or political gossip can create unnecessary fear. Responsible journalism should distinguish between confirmed facts, official statements, and unverified allegations. It should also give the public context rather than simply repeating rumours.
At the same time, citizens must develop the habit of evaluating political information critically. Social media has made it possible for false claims to spread rapidly, often before facts can catch up. A photograph, video clip, or anonymous message may be presented as proof of illness even when it has been taken out of context. Nigerians should therefore ask important questions: What is the source of the information? Has it been independently verified? Is the claim supported by credible evidence? Could it be part of a political strategy?
President Tinubu’s choice to respond personally was significant because it placed his own voice at the centre of the discussion. In political communication, personal engagement can be more effective than a statement issued solely by aides. By speaking in Lagos and describing himself as healthy, sound, and ready to work, he sought to show that he was not hiding behind official machinery. His response communicated immediacy and confidence.
However, the effectiveness of such a response depends on the public’s existing level of trust. Where citizens already have confidence in a leader, a brief assurance may be sufficient. Where distrust is widespread, a simple denial may not satisfy everyone. This is why the broader conduct of the administration matters. Transparency in governance, regular communication, and visible institutional accountability can strengthen the credibility of presidential statements.
The president’s words also reflected a determination not to allow political rumours to define his administration. By saying that he was “ready to go”, he presented himself as focused on the work ahead. This is particularly important for a country facing complex challenges, including economic hardship, inflation, insecurity, unemployment, and institutional reform. The nation needs its political leaders to concentrate on solving these problems rather than spending excessive time responding to every allegation.
Yet dismissing rumours should not mean dismissing legitimate public concern. Political leaders must understand that citizens are not always motivated by malice when they ask questions about a president’s health. In many cases, concern arises from the importance of the office and from past experiences in which information was withheld from the public. A respectful and transparent response is therefore preferable to insults or intimidation. The public deserves facts, while the president deserves fairness.
Ultimately, President Tinubu’s statement was persuasive because it combined personal assurance with a broader criticism of political rumour-mongering. His message was short, direct, and confident: he had enjoyed his vacation, remained physically capable, and was prepared to continue his duties. By describing the rumours as a product of politics, he urged Nigerians to separate genuine public interest from partisan speculation.
The proper response to the president’s statement should be neither blind acceptance nor automatic disbelief. Nigerians should respect his assurance while continuing to judge his fitness for office through constitutional procedures, public performance, and credible information. Opposition parties should focus on evidence and policy. The media should verify claims. Citizens should reject sensationalism.
* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja
2027: President Tinubu, Health Rumours, Politics And Response of Confidence and Responsibility
Politics
Gubio 2027: The Next Governor of Borno Is Signalled by Solidarity Visits and Campaign Support
Gubio 2027: The Next Governor of Borno Is Signalled by Solidarity Visits and Campaign Support
By: Dr James Bwala
As Borno State prepares for the 2027 governorship election, political activities are gradually gaining momentum. Across the state, citizens, community leaders, professional groups, youth organisations, women’s associations and political stakeholders are beginning to express their preferences and expectations. Among those receiving increasing attention is the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, Engr. Alhaji Mustapha Gubio, FNSE.
Recently, Gubio has continued to receive solidarity visits and campaign support from various clubs, associations, community groups and stakeholders. These engagements have brought together no fewer than 25 forums and groups, each presenting messages of support, campaign materials and other items to strengthen political mobilisation across Borno. While such activities are part of the normal process of political campaigning, their scale, diversity and consistency suggest something more significant: a growing public confidence in Gubio’s leadership capacity and political vision.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/tinubu-kashim-shettima-and-nigerias-call-for-a-more-representative-united-nations/
The importance of these visits lies not merely in the number of people attending or the quantity of materials presented. Their deeper meaning can be found in the breadth of the groups involved and the shared conviction that Engr. Alhaji Moustache Gubio represents a credible path toward continuity, inclusion and sustainable development in Borno State. Political support is rarely built on one factor alone. It is usually the result of personal reputation, community engagement, trust, competence and the belief that a candidate can respond effectively to the challenges facing society. The solidarity being expressed toward Gubio indicates that many stakeholders see these qualities in him.
One of the strongest features of the recent engagements is the diversity of the groups involved. The groups received by Engr. Gubio includes Gubio Youths Patriotic, Kaumi Group, Gubio Peace & Progress Bura Kime, State Monitor FIRS, Jr. H.E. AMG, Almisikin BG Ali Kawu, Bar Mallum L. Kur, Hon. Mustapha Kur Konduga, Amma B. Lmisula and others, Elefaruk and Zannah Solidarity PVC, Borno Zulum Campaign Organisation, Gubio Youths Generation Club, Monguno Old Boys Prof. Sulumbe, Cap Washing Association, Bolori Community, AMG Progressive Movement, Gubio APC E-Registration Members, Modu Gambo Team Kasuwa Shanu, Dr Zainab Eyn Women Christian, Six Digit Committee Members and Elbash Group, among others.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/tinubu-kashim-shettima-and-nigerias-call-for-a-more-representative-united-nations/
This range of support is politically meaningful because it cuts across different sections of society. It includes youth groups, community forums, women’s organisations, professional networks, political associations, grassroots mobilisers and local stakeholders. A candidate who attracts support from such a broad coalition is better positioned to understand the varied concerns of the electorate. The needs of young people may differ from those of community elders; the priorities of women’s groups may not always be identical to those of professional associations. However, a broad-based support structure creates an opportunity for dialogue and collective problem-solving.
The solidarity visits also show that political mobilisation in Borno extends beyond elite meetings and formal party structures. Grassroots organisations are actively participating in the process. Their involvement shows that citizens want to play a direct role in determining the future direction of the state. When groups make the effort to visit a candidate, present campaign materials and publicly express their support, they are not simply observing politics from a distance. They are investing their time, resources and organisational energy in a political project they consider worthwhile.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/tinubu-kashim-shettima-and-nigerias-call-for-a-more-representative-united-nations/
The materials presented during the visits further illustrate the seriousness of the support. The Lawan Bukar Community Elders Forum presented 1,000 campaign posters, 1,000 wrappers, T-shirts and 500 face caps. The Gubio Youths and Progress Forum, led by its chairman from Bura Kime, presented 300 wrappers and campaign banners. Ahmed Malam Ali, Chairman of Gubio Youths Patriotic, presented six bales and 100 wrappers.
These contributions are significant because they reflect active participation rather than passive endorsement. Campaign materials help communicate political messages, but they also serve as symbols of collective ownership. When supporters contribute posters, wrappers, T-shirts, banners and face caps, they demonstrate their willingness to identify publicly with a candidate. In communities where political loyalty is often expressed through physical presence and direct engagement, such gestures can carry considerable weight.
More importantly, these contributions suggest that supporters are prepared to take responsibility for spreading Gubio’s message. They are not waiting for the candidate or the party to do everything. Instead, they are organising themselves, mobilising their communities and supporting the campaign with available resources. This type of participation can become a powerful foundation for an effective grassroots campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/tinubu-kashim-shettima-and-nigerias-call-for-a-more-representative-united-nations/
Another important aspect of the engagements is the response of Engr Gubio himself. Receiving the groups, he expressed appreciation for their solidarity visits and contributions, commending them for their commitment and support. His response was not limited to gratitude. He also assured the groups of continued engagement and promised that, if elected in 2027, his administration would work with communities and stakeholders toward sustainable development across Borno State.
This commitment to continued engagement is particularly important in contemporary governance. Citizens increasingly expect leaders to maintain communication with them beyond election periods. A government that listens to communities, consults stakeholders and includes citizens in development planning is more likely to design policies that respond to real needs. Sustainable development cannot be achieved through government action alone. It requires cooperation among public institutions, traditional leaders, community associations, youth groups, women’s organisations, private-sector actors and professional bodies.
Gubio’s assurance of partnership therefore presents a governance model based on consultation and inclusion. If translated into practice, such an approach could help strengthen trust between government and citizens. It could also improve accountability, as stakeholders who participate in development discussions are more likely to monitor projects and demand responsible use of public resources.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/tinubu-kashim-shettima-and-nigerias-call-for-a-more-representative-united-nations/
Borno State faces complex challenges that require competent and collaborative leadership. The effects of insecurity, displacement, limited economic opportunities, infrastructure deficits and social disruption cannot be addressed through isolated interventions. The state needs a leadership team capable of combining technical knowledge with political sensitivity and grassroots understanding. As an engineer and professional, Gubio is expected to bring an analytical and development-oriented perspective to governance. His professional background, combined with his current engagement with communities and political stakeholders, may position him to contribute meaningfully to the state’s reconstruction and development agenda.
However, the significance of the current support should not be understood as a substitute for policy debate. Solidarity visits and campaign materials are important expressions of political confidence, but the 2027 election must ultimately be decided by the quality of ideas, programmes and leadership commitments presented to the people. Supporters of Gubio will need to articulate clearly what distinguishes his vision from those of other candidates. They must explain how his administration would improve security, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth employment, women’s empowerment, infrastructure and economic development.
The candidate, for his part, must continue to transform goodwill into a clear and realistic policy platform. He must demonstrate how his proposed programmes would be funded, implemented and evaluated. He must also show that his commitment to stakeholder engagement would extend to all communities, including those that may not initially support his candidacy. True leadership is measured not only by the ability to attract supporters but also by the capacity to serve the entire population fairly after election.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/tinubu-kashim-shettima-and-nigerias-call-for-a-more-representative-united-nations/
The growing solidarity around Gubio nevertheless offers an encouraging foundation. It indicates that many people are already willing to participate in a campaign centred on development and collective action. The presence of elders, youths, women, community groups and professional associations suggests that the campaign has the potential to become a broad movement rather than a narrow political organisation. If properly managed, this coalition can promote peaceful participation, issue-based campaigning and constructive engagement across the state.
Political campaigns should not deepen divisions. In a state that has endured serious challenges, the 2027 election should be an opportunity for citizens to discuss their aspirations and assess the capacity of candidates. Gubio’s engagements with different groups can contribute to this process if they remain focused on respect, unity and the delivery of practical solutions. Supporters should be encouraged to campaign responsibly, avoid inflammatory language and place Borno’s collective interest above personal or sectional considerations.
The current pattern of solidarity visits therefore speaks volumes about the political possibilities surrounding Engr Alhaji Mustapha Gubio. It reflects growing organisation at the grassroots, confidence among diverse stakeholders and a willingness to invest in his campaign. The posters, wrappers, banners, T-shirts and face caps may appear to be simple campaign items, but collectively they represent commitment, identity and shared expectation.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/tinubu-kashim-shettima-and-nigerias-call-for-a-more-representative-united-nations/
Ultimately, the strength of Gubio’s candidacy will depend on how effectively he converts this support into a coherent programme for governance. The people of Borno will expect more than promises. They will demand competence, integrity, inclusiveness and measurable results. If Gubio sustains his engagement with communities, communicates a clear development agenda and remains committed to accountable leadership, the solidarity currently surrounding him could become a decisive political advantage.
The 2027 governorship election is still ahead, but the message from these visits is already clear: a significant number of Borno stakeholders are prepared to stand with Mustapha Gubio and support his journey. Their solidarity suggests that they see in him the possibility of a governor who listens, collaborates and works toward sustainable development. Whether that confidence ultimately translates into electoral victory will depend on the campaign ahead, but the foundation is unmistakable. In Borno’s evolving political landscape, the voices, contributions and organised activities of these groups are speaking loudly—and they are pointing toward Gubio in the 2027 arrangements.
- James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja
Gubio 2027: The Next Governor of Borno Is Signalled by Solidarity Visits and Campaign Support
APC Guber Candidate Baba Malam Wali promises to build on Buni’s legacy in Yobe.
By: Yahaya Wakili
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Yobe State, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali Mni, has assured that he will build on the legacies of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Dr. Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN.
Baba Malam Wali disclosed this today while responding to the mommoth crowds gathered to welcome him to the ancient city of Nguru town in Yobe state.
The governorship candidate, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali, thanked the people of Nguru for the historic reception accorded to him and promised not to betray their trust.
“What I have seen today is historic; the people of Nguru have shown me the love, and I will repay you with service, loyalty, and inclusive development, and this project is our project; we would sustain it together,” Baba Malam Wali said.
The massive crowd is a testament to Wali’s acceptability, humility, and deep connection with the grassroots politician, as the political analyst in Yobe state, Dr. Abdu Umar Garba, has said.
The governorship candidate, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali Mni, was accompanied by the Deputy Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana Wazirin Fune; the Deputy Governorship candidate, Hon. Barrister Saleh Samanja; and Yobe State APC chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Gadaka Madakin Gudi.
Others accompanied the governorship candidate include Yobe State Executive Councils, special advisers, special assistants, and other top government functionaries, as well as political heavyweights from within and outside Zone C.
APC Fiber Candidate Baba Malam Wali promises to build on Buni’s legacy in Yobe.
Kashim Shettima At UNGA: A STRONG VOICE FOR NIGERIA AND AFRICA
By: Inuwa Bwala
Vice President Kashim Shettima’s appearance on September 24, 2026, delivering Nigeria’s National Statement for the third consecutive year on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was a demonstration of consistency, confidence and statesmanship.
At the risk of sounding immodest, I dare say, that, President Bola Tinubu could not have done it better.
The Vice President’s central message was clear and powerful, to the effect that, “Nigeria believes in multilateralism, but the institutions that govern our world must become more representative, equitable, and responsive to the realities of today.”
This is a positive and mature foreign policy posture. It shows Nigeria is not isolationist, but reformist. Shettima affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the UN system while boldly advocating for President Tinubu’s long-standing call for reform of global institutions, particularly the UN Security Council and international financial architecture, so as to give developing countries a stronger voice.
To me, it remains Nigeria’s strongest and clearest articulation of where our national interest targets.
His declaration that “Our engagements will be guided by Nigeria’s national interest” resonated well at home and abroad. It frames Nigeria not as a passive aid-recipient, but as a strategic partner negotiating firmly for trade, investment, technology transfer and climate finance. This is exactly the tone Nigerians want to hear on the world stage and the intermitent applause from the delegates was a testimony to this.
Beyond the General Assembly Hall, Shettima scored a major point at the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group. He called for an end to Africa’s dependence on raw mineral exports and advocated for processing and manufacturing industries within Africa.
His argument that Africa’s mineral wealth must translate into jobs, industrial growth and improved living standards is a forward-looking, pan-African economic vision. It positions Nigeria as a leader in the new scramble for critical minerals, demanding value-addition, not exploitation.
The Vice President’s sideline engagement with Nigerians in Diaspora in New York, calling on them to support the economic transformation agenda, shows a holistic approach — using UNGA not just for speeches, but for investment mobilization.
To me, and of vourse many Nigerians, including critics of the Bola Tinu u administration, the verall Verdict, is that, Shettima’s performance at UNGA 81 was presidential, articulate and strategically aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He projected Nigeria as stable, confident, reform-minded, and ready to lead Africa’s demand for a fairer world order, under the UNGA 81 theme of “Restoring trust, managing transformation.”
It was a positive outing that strengthened Nigeria’s image as the voice of Africa and the Global South.
Kashim Shettima At UNGA: A STRONG VOICE FOR NIGERIA AND AFRICA
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