Tinubu poisoning rumour: Presidency denies attempt to poison President
The Presidency has dismissed claims suggesting that there was an attempt to poison President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the reports as false, baseless, and capable of causing unnecessary panic among Nigerians. The denial followed widespread circulation of messages on social media alleging that the president was targeted through poisoning.
In a statement issued by the Presidency, officials said there was no truth to the claim and urged members of the public to disregard the information. According to the statement, President Tinubu has not been poisoned and is in good health, contrary to what had been reported by some online sources.
The Presidency explained that the rumour likely originated from misinterpretation and deliberate misinformation aimed at stirring fear and confusion. Officials stressed that security agencies remain vigilant and that there has been no security breach relating to the president’s safety.
“The claim that there was an attempt to poison Mr President is entirely false. There was no such incident, and the president is carrying out his duties as expected,” the statement said. The Presidency added that the president’s routine activities and engagements have not been disrupted by any health or security emergency.
The rumour gained attention after posts circulated online suggesting that the president had fallen ill due to poisoning and was receiving emergency treatment. These claims were widely shared across different platforms, prompting concern among supporters and members of the public.
Presidency sources said the spread of such unverified information was dangerous and could undermine public confidence in national stability. They urged Nigerians to rely on official communication channels for credible updates about the president and government affairs.
The statement further noted that the health of the president is a matter of national interest and should not be subjected to speculation or political manipulation. Officials warned that those responsible for deliberately spreading false information may be investigated and held accountable under relevant laws.
Political analysts say rumours involving the health and safety of a sitting president can have serious implications, including destabilising the political environment and creating anxiety among citizens. They argued that responsible communication is essential, especially in times when misinformation can spread rapidly through digital platforms.
Meanwhile, aides to the president have continued to share updates about his official engagements, showing him attending meetings and carrying out his duties. These updates, according to the Presidency, serve as further proof that the rumour has no basis in fact.
Members of the ruling party also reacted to the development, describing the poisoning claim as a desperate attempt by mischief-makers to distract the government from its work. They called on Nigerians to remain calm and avoid spreading unconfirmed stories.
Opposition figures, while urging transparency in governance, also cautioned against spreading unverified reports that could heighten tension. They said any issue relating to the president’s health should be communicated officially and responsibly.
The Presidency reiterated its commitment to keeping Nigerians informed about matters concerning the president and national affairs. It urged media organisations and social media users to verify information before publishing or sharing it.
“This administration believes in open communication, but it must be based on facts. False alarms about the president’s health or safety do not serve the country and only create unnecessary fear,” the statement added.
As the rumour continues to trend in some online spaces, government officials have appealed to citizens to focus on verified news and ignore sensational content designed to mislead. They also encouraged the public to report fake news to appropriate authorities.
The denial by the Presidency is expected to calm concerns raised by the report and reassure Nigerians that there was no attempt on the life of the president. For now, officials insist that President Tinubu remains safe, healthy, and fully engaged in the responsibilities of his office.
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