Abike Dabiri says Ankara surprised by Nigeria media
The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has revealed that Turkish officials were “shocked” by the intense media reaction in Nigeria to President Bola Tinubu’s brief stumble.
During the President’s official visit to Ankara on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, a video emerged of him losing his balance momentarily during a ceremonial march-past. While the clip went viral on Nigerian blogs and social media, Dabiri-Erewa stated that the incident was viewed as a complete non-issue in the host country.
Reacting to the situation on Wednesday, the NIDCOM boss described the attention given to the mishap as “silly and mischievous.” She shared that one Turkish official expressed surprise that a “fleeting incident” could dominate headlines when the visit itself was an “incredible success.” According to her, the Turkish mainstream media completely ignored the stumble, focusing instead on the bilateral agreements being signed between the two nations.
The President’s stumble occurred as he joined the guard of honor alongside Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Security operatives were quick to assist the President, and the program continued without any further disruption. Dabiri-Erewa emphasized that the visit is being celebrated in Türkiye for its strategic importance in areas like defense, trade, and energy, rather than the minor slip.
Presidency defends President’s health and agility
In a swift response to the viral video, the Presidency has urged Nigerians to disregard attempts to sensationalize the event. Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, clarified that the President merely stepped on a poorly laid metal plate or carpet on the floor. He insisted that the mishap was “not a big deal” and did not affect the President’s ability to carry out his official duties for the rest of the day.
Onanuga’s statement was echoed by other aides who confirmed that Tinubu proceeded to a closed-door meeting immediately after the ceremony. They maintained that the President remains “fully engaged” and focused on his mission to expand Nigerian interests abroad. The Presidency cautioned that focusing on a momentary slip-up is a distraction from the significant diplomatic gains achieved during this first-ever official visit to the European nation.
Strengthening diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Türkiye
Despite the online chatter, the visit marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s “Renewed Hope” foreign policy. Tinubu and Erdoğan discussed expanding cooperation in scientific research, media, and energy, building on the foundation laid during Erdoğan’s visit to Abuja in 2021. A business forum held on the sidelines of the trip aimed to connect investors from both countries, signaling a new era of economic partnership.
Turkish digital news platforms, while sharing the footage of the welcome ceremony, noted the “stately” nature of the reception. The focus in Ankara remains on the long-standing cordial relations between the two giants. It is expected that several Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) will be signed before the President concludes his trip.
As the Presidential entourage prepares to return, the takeaway from NIDCOM is clear: the substance of international diplomacy far outweighs a second of lost balance. For Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the “mischief” from home serves as a reminder of the need for more responsible reportage on national figures abroad. The “Green Passport” remains respected in the halls of power in Ankara, regardless of the headlines on Nigerian blogs.
