Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, expressed sympathy towards President Bola Tinubu following his slip at the Eagles Square in Abuja during the Democracy Day celebrations on Wednesday.
The incident occurred as President Tinubu, 72, was attempting to board the presidential parade vehicle. Despite the momentary mishap, Tinubu was quickly assisted by his security personnel and proceeded with the scheduled events.
Dada Olusegun, the President’s Special Adviser on Social Media, described the incident as a “mild misstep” in a post on social media, affirming that Tinubu continued with the ceremonial activities without any issues.
Later during the Democracy Day Dinner at the Banquet Hall in the State House, Abuja, Tinubu humorously referenced the incident, stating, “In the morning I skipped, it is all over social media. They are confused whether I was doing buga or babariga, but it is a day to celebrate democracy while doing Idobale (Yoruba cultural way of greeting).”
He continued, emphasizing his commitment and gratitude, “I am a traditionally Yoruba boy, and I did my Idobale. It is a day that is worthy of falling for. We aren’t going to move an inch. I have heard excellent comments and very touching remarks about myself and about the past. I thank you all. My sincere gratitude to all of you for standing by me. I promise you I won’t fall. Nigeria is a great country.”
Reacting to the incident, Atiku Abubakar took to his social media handle to extend his sympathy to Tinubu, despite their political differences. “I sincerely sympathise with President Bola Tinubu, @officialABAT, over this unfortunate incident as he was set to review the parade on Democracy Day. I do hope that all is well with him,” Atiku wrote.
Similarly, Peter Obi, in a series of posts on social media, called for empathy and unity in light of the incident. He cautioned against gloating over Tinubu’s fall, emphasizing, “We are all human beings, and, while we profoundly disagree on how to move Nigeria forward, we must remember our common human frailty. Let us stay focused on the issues that will lead to a new Nigeria.”
Obi added, “May this moment serve as a poignant reminder of our shared humanity and the need for compassion, empathy, and unity in our pursuit of a brighter future for our great nation.”
However, Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress in the last election, took a different stance, describing Tinubu as unfit for leadership due to health concerns. “Tinubu is sick and there is no country in the world that should allow a sick person to lead them. He (Tinubu) is just using Nigeria as health insurance,” Sowore remarked.
Meanwhile, at the Eagles Square celebration, the National Troupe unveiled a large portrait painting of the President, described as the world’s largest painting portrait on canvas by the National Troupe.
