Nigerians React as Online Claim Questions Tinubu’s Identity After Return to Nigeria
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu returned to Nigeria on Tuesday, September 29, after spending about four weeks abroad on what the Presidency described as a working vacation.
The President arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos after travelling from Paris, France, where he spent the latter part of his trip. The Presidency had earlier announced that Tinubu would return to Nigeria after extending his stay in Europe by a few days.
Shortly after his return, however, social media discussions began circulating around claims questioning the identity of the person who arrived in Lagos.
One of the claims attributed online to a person identified as Abiodun Usman from Mali suggested that the returning President was an impostor. The claim has generated reactions among Nigerians online, with users expressing different views about the allegation.
However, there is currently no reliable evidence establishing that the person who returned to Nigeria was an impostor, and the claim should therefore be treated as unverified.
Tinubu himself addressed questions from journalists shortly after arriving in Lagos.
When asked about concerns that had circulated during his time abroad, including speculation about his health, the President dismissed the concerns and said he was “healthy, sound, and ready to go.” He also said rumours would continue to emerge in politics but added that the facts remained that he was back in Nigeria.
The Presidency had previously announced Tinubu's planned return and provided details of his movements during the vacation.
According to the State House, Tinubu left Abuja on August 30, travelled first to London and later moved to Paris. During his time abroad, he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and business leaders, while Vice President Kashim Shettima and other senior officials represented him at some official engagements.
The latest controversy reflects how quickly unverified political claims can spread online, particularly when they involve the identity, health or activities of prominent political figures.
For Nigerians following the story, the distinction between documented events and social media allegations remains important.
What is confirmed is that the Presidency announced Tinubu's return from Paris, his aircraft landed in Lagos on Tuesday evening, and the President appeared before journalists after his arrival.
The allegation attributed to Abiodun Usman has not been independently substantiated by credible sources at the time of publication.
Novex News will continue to monitor the claim and provide updates if credible evidence or an official response emerges.