Lawal's Claims on Tinubu's Health
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal has publicly questioned President Bola Tinubu's health, asserting that Nigerians are not deceived by the president's visits to France. In a video interview shared on Sunday, July 26, 2026, by Nigerian Affairs Journal on X, Lawal stated: "President Tinubu, Nigerians are not fooled when he goes to France. I've said it before. He has done four years. He should face his health."
The former SGF went further to describe what he claimed were Tinubu's eating habits, saying the president is not materialistic and survives on simple meals. "Bola is not even someone who is materialistic. He wakes up in the morning and eats banana and groundnut, and that's his food," Lawal said. He also alleged that Tinubu has a strong attachment to smoking, specifically silk cigarettes. "What I know he likes most is silk cigarettes. He smokes. He likes that a lot. He can't do without it. I don't know if he has stopped."
Nigerians React to the Remarks
The remarks quickly attracted attention on X, with many Nigerians questioning Lawal's motives and dismissing his comments as politically driven. @nctmhsuk1 wrote: "Typical politicians, throwing shades. Politics Mad gan. He's looking for his way back to the corridor of power." @jagabanolu was equally unimpressed, saying: "This babachir has to be a very bitter, childish man... He says, 'Tinubu wakes up in the morning and eats banana and groundnut, and that's his food. What I know he likes most is silk cigarettes. He smokes...' AND SO WHAT! He does not eat King Prawn fried noodles, so he is not fit to be president, or what is the issue... Bitter twisted soul!"
@DrfemiA34574 pointed out that Lawal himself had spoken publicly about a personal health condition: "What's the big deal abt sickness in an elderly. You yourself said in one of your interviews that you have type 2 diabetes mellitus." @dapo28april remarked: "Even if this man is broke, then he should go back to his farm and get money." @aoidowu1309 responded with less alarm: "Lol. We hear you, at least he's not there beyond the usual time."
Background: Lawal's Stance on Tinubu
Babachir Lawal served as SGF under former President Muhammadu Buhari before he was dismissed in 2017 following corruption allegations linked to the diversion of funds meant for internally displaced persons in the North-East. He has since remained a vocal critic of the current administration. Lawal also spoke on the political relationship between Tinubu and Mallam Nasir El-Rufai ahead of the 2023 elections. He claimed that El-Rufai once travelled to Lagos to undermine Tinubu at a public conference.
Lawal Predicts 2027 Election Outcome
Meanwhile, Lawal has also predicted that Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso would be a formidable pair for the 2027 presidential election. He made the prediction during a televised interview, assigning specific winning chances to each major contender. The former SGF also weighed in on Atiku Abubakar's prospects, following his public fallout with the ex-vice president.
