The presidency says the Tinubu Ankara stumble during a ceremonial welcome in Turkey was caused by a poorly laid carpet, dismissing health concerns

The Presidency on Tuesday dismissed concerns over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s brief stumble during a ceremonial reception in Ankara, attributing the incident to a poorly laid carpet at the venue.

Also read: Tinubu stumbles during reception in Türkiye, continues meeting with Erdoğan

The Tinubu Ankara stumble occurred at the Turkish presidential complex as President Tinubu participated in a march-past alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during the official welcome ceremony.

Video footage widely circulated on social media showed President Tinubu momentarily losing his footing while walking beside his host, prompting quick assistance from security personnel before he regained balance and continued with the programme.

According to Arise Television, officials at the Presidency said the stumble was caused by an uneven blue carpet laid along the ceremonial route, rejecting any suggestion of a health-related issue.

Dada Olusegun, Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, said the incident had no impact on the state visit’s schedule, describing it as a minor and fleeting mishap.

“Mr President missed his step very briefly and has continued his bilateral meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan,” Olusegun wrote on X. “A live press conference is happening immediately after the bilateral.”

Presidency sources said President Tinubu proceeded confidently with the rest of the day’s engagements, including high-level talks aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and Turkey.

Also read: Nigeria confirms military plot against President Tinubu

The incident, though brief, drew widespread online attention, underscoring the intense public scrutiny that often accompanies presidential appearances during high-profile international visits.