Tinubu arrives in London for what is described as an overseas rest by his political associates

FORMER Lagos State governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has arrived in London today under suspicious circumstances with political analysts saying he came to the UK for medical treatment ahead of his planned 2023 presidential run.

Earlier this month, Asiwaju Tinubu officially announced that he would be seeking the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) this year in a bid to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023. His candidacy immediately ignited debates about his age and health status, as Asiwaju Tinubu has recently required medical treatment abroad.

There has also been a lot of commentary about Asiwaju Tinubu's health as he is widely believed to be much older than the 69 he claims he is. Given that President Buhari's tenure has been dogged with him having to constantly fly to the UK to see his doctors, political commentators are asking whether Nigeria wants a continuation of tat with Asiwaju Tinubu.

However, one member of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Movement’s Working Committee, said that his boss travelled overseas to rest and strategise. He pointed out that Asiwaju Tinubu travelled abroad to rest after going around the country for consultations.

Tunde Rahman, Asiwaju Tinubu's spokesman, said: “Asiwaju’s trip to the UK is not to rest or because of any illness. While abroad, Asiwaju is maintaining a vigorous schedule of meetings and consultations on a range of important matters.

“Whether at home or abroad, the daily schedule of Asiwaju is vibrant and full. Most people couldn’t sustain his high level of activity, which speaks to his exceptional intellectual energy and his commitment to achievement. Asiwaju will return to Nigeria next week once this set of meetings and talks abroad is completed.”

On January 10, Asiwaju Tinubu visited President Buhari to inform him of his intention to contest the presidential elections in 2023. Since then, Asiwaju Tinubu has travelled to some parts of the country including Oyo, Niger and Zamfara states to consult with political associates but was conspicuously absent from the formal inauguration of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Movement’s Working Committees in Lagos yesterday.

Last year, Asiwaju Tinubu was away from Nigeria for health reasons. He stayed at his London home in the UK where he underwent surgery and therapy for a knee injury.