Mike Arnold, as a former mayor of Blanco and founder of Africa Arise International, has made explosive claims about the health of Nigeria’s president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the leader is seriously ill with advanced cancer.
According to Arnold, the illness is at least stage three, based on what he calls older intelligence. He argues that the president’s trips to Paris are not diplomatic missions but medical visits. These claims have not been confirmed by the presidency, but Arnold insists that discussions about the president’s health are common in political circles in Abuja.
Arnold suggests that the bigger issue is not just the president’s health, but who is running Nigeria if the president is unwell. He points to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, claiming she plays a strong role behind the scenes. He describes an incident at a public event where she reportedly told a sitting governor to shorten his speech and return to his seat, which he presents as a sign of her growing influence within Aso Rock.
The spotlight also falls on National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. Arnold criticizes Ribadu’s leadership and questions whether loyalty, rather than competence, earned him his role. He alleges that Ribadu controls key intelligence information and influences what becomes public knowledge. Arnold further claims Ribadu has long-term political ambitions, including a possible 2031 presidential run, and that political activist Reno Omokri could serve as a future running mate. According to Arnold, he was personally asked to nominate Ribadu for the Nobel Peace Prize as part of an image-building strategy, though there is no public confirmation of such plans.
Arnold also references a reported $9 million lobbying contract in Washington, saying it was presented as an effort to communicate Nigeria’s actions to protect Christians. He claims the contract is actually part of a larger political strategy funded by Nigerian taxpayers. These allegations remain unverified.
Another key issue raised is constitutional succession. If President Tinubu cannot complete his term, Vice President Kashim Shettima would automatically assume office, as required by Nigerian law. Arnold argues that this could trigger political tension, claiming that Shettima’s rise would happen without a new election.
He compares the situation to the period after the death of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, when Vice President Goodluck Jonathan took over leadership. Arnold portrays Jonathan’s transition as stabilizing at the time, while expressing concern that a similar transition today could be more divisive given Nigeria’s current security challenges.
It is important to note that the presidency has not confirmed any serious illness involving President Tinubu, and many of the claims presented by Arnold remain allegations. Still, the commentary raises questions about leadership, succession, and political maneuvering at the highest levels of Africa’s most populous nation.
