Turkish Officials Say It Is ‘Silly’ to Make a Big Deal of Tinubu’s Stumble — Dabiri-Erewa

Turkish officials have dismissed the attention given in Nigerian media to President Bola Tinubu’s brief stumble during his official visit to Türkiye, describing it as “silly,” according to Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.

Dabiri-Erewa made the remarks on Wednesday while responding to a post on X by user Oguntoye Opeyemi (Equityoyo), who highlighted how the incident was being discussed in Nigeria.

“Exactly. On ground here in Ankara, their officials were shocked to learn that it was an issue in Nigerian media/blogs,” she wrote.

She added that one Turkish official called the focus on the stumble “silly and mischievous,” emphasizing that the visit itself was receiving widespread positive coverage in Türkiye.

Opeyemi also noted that Turkish mainstream media largely ignored the incident. “Not a single Turkish TV station reported the President’s accidental slip because it’s a non-issue. But Naija TV and national newspapers,” he said.

The incident occurred on Tuesday during a ceremonial march-past at the parade ground in Ankara, when President Tinubu briefly lost his balance while joining a guard of honour. Video footage shared by Turkish digital platform Nefes Gazetesi showed him walking alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan before being assisted by security operatives.

The Nigerian Presidency has consistently minimized the incident. Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, said Tinubu remained “hale and hearty” and continued with his official engagements, including bilateral meetings with Erdoğan and other senior officials.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, described the stumble as minor, explaining that the President had stepped on a metal on the floor. “This is not a big deal, except for those who want to make mischief out of a fleeting incident,” he said.

Tinubu’s visit, his first official trip to Türkiye, is aimed at strengthening diplomatic relations and expanding cooperation in defence, trade, investment, energy, media, and scientific research. A business forum is also scheduled to connect Nigerian and Turkish investors.

Senior Nigerian officials present at the reception included the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake; and Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.).

The Presidency has urged Nigerians to disregard attempts to sensationalize the incident, reaffirming that President Tinubu remains fully engaged in his official duties.