Wike Attends Tinubu’s Eid Celebration, Dismissing Stroke Rumours

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), attended a government meeting in Abuja, dispelling widespread rumours that he had collapsed due to excessive alcohol consumption and suffered a stroke.

Speculation circulated on Friday night suggesting that Wike had collapsed at a meeting and was taken to the State House Clinic, where doctors allegedly detected a high level of alcohol in his system. Further unverified reports claimed that his condition triggered a stroke, with some sources suggesting he was later flown to an undisclosed hospital in France for advanced medical treatment.

Lere Olayinka, Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, dismissed the claims as “fake news.” In contrast to the reports, Wike was seen on Sunday at the Presidential Banquet Hall in the State House, Abuja, where he led a delegation to pay an Eid-El-Fitr homage to President Bola Tinubu. He delivered the opening remarks before guests presented greeting cards to the President.

The event was attended by lawmakers representing the FCT, area council chairpersons, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and senior judicial officers. Dada Olusegun, Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Social Media, shared videos on his X account confirming Wike’s presence, stating that the FCT community, led by Wike, had paid their Eid-El-Fitr respects to the President.

In another post, Olusegun noted that Wike personally presented a Sallah greeting card to President Tinubu on behalf of FCT residents. Wike’s appearance at the event seemingly puts to rest the speculation surrounding his health.