Mixed reactions as Tinubu falls over during ceremony

President Bola Tinubu slipped and fell over hitting his face against the body of his parade jeep at an official event to mark 25 years of democracy in the country on Wednesday.

Tinubu, 72 officially, fell as he climbed the steps on a vehicle which was supposed to take him around Eagle Square in the capital, Abuja.

He had to be helped to get back to his feet.

While most Nigerians have expressed their sympathy and best wishes, for some it has reignited questions about his health, which were raised by his opponents during the campaign for last year’s closely contested election.

One of his aides described it as a “mild misstep” and said the president had been able to continue with the rest of the programme.

“He immediately went on with the ceremonial rounds. No issues,” wrote presidential aide Dada Olusegun on X.

Tinubu’s closest challenger during last year’s election, Atiku Abubakar, expressed his sympathy.

“I sincerely sympathise with President Bola Tinubu over this unfortunate incident as he was set to review the parade on Democracy Day. I do hope that all is well with him,” he wrote on X.

@Peter Obi, the labour party candidate, who many believe won the election, also expressed sympathy and wrote, “I was saddened to learn of President Tinubu’s unfortunate fall today. I wish him well. We achieve nothing by gloating about an accident that could well happen to any of us”.

Former Senator and activist, Shehu Sani said it was no big deal, and that the incident showed the president is no different to anyone else.

“Not Just President Tinubu, anyone alive can trip and fall; it happened to President Biden and Fidel Castro. Presidents are human beings and mortals.”

X user Arinze Odira said the fall was “scary to watch”.

Another Nigerian Charles Awuzie posted on Facebook that he got emotional after seeing the clip.

“Whether it is President Biden or President Tinubu, I usually feel hurt when a human gets hurt in the place of service. I wish the president well.”

@Bigwig Austin tweeted, “Tinubu is my president, I stand with the fallen mandate”!

@_Dammyb_ wrote, “The fall is so poetic on democracy day for that matter”.

“Physical representation of what they’ve done with the country”.

@Chude_ wrote, “Omo! Tinubu just fell from the vehicle at the Democracy day celebration.. Ehyaa