President Tinubu Suffers Minor Fall at Democracy Day Event
In a concerning moment during today’s Democracy Day celebrations in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu appeared to trip and fall while walking toward a vehicle that was part of the parade at Eagle Square.
Videos circulating on social media show the 71-year-old President Minor failing at Democracy Day, dressed in his signature white agbada and cap, missing a step and tumbling to the ground as he was about to enter the vehicle. His aides rushed to help him back to his feet.
The incident looked dramatic, with Tinubu struggling to catch himself as he went down. However, the presidency was quick to downplay the situation, with special assistant Dada Olusegun stating it was just “a mild misstep” and that Tinubu carried on with the ceremonial events afterward.
“Mr President missed his step while climbing into the truck at the June 12 Democracy Day celebration and tripped. It was a mild misstep. He immediately went on with the ceremonial rounds. No issues,” Olusegun said.
Of course, any fall involving a head of state is a concern given the obvious security implications. But the presidency seems intent on assuring the public that Tinubu was uninjured and that the incident was nothing more than a minor stumble.
Still, the videos are likely to raise some questions about the president’s health and mobility, especially given his age and the physically demanding nature of his role. Tinubu has not been known to have any major health issues but falls can potentially be serious for elderly individuals.
For now, officials maintain Tinubu is doing just fine after his Democracy Day tumble. But the incident is an uncomfortable look and may lead to more scrutiny around the president’s fitness and stamina going forward.
Reference
Presidency says ‘no issues’ as Tinubu falls during Democracy Day celebration published in Business day.