Nigerians Demand Tinubu Quits Presidential Race Over Tripping, ‘Lilikabu’ Remark

President Bola Tinubu has come under renewed criticism following videos of him tripping while walking and making an unclear remark during his campaign appearance in Akwa Ibom State on Friday.

The incidents have triggered fresh online debate about the president’s physical condition and capacity to seek re-election in 2027, with some Nigerians calling on him to withdraw from the presidential race.

In videos circulating on social media, Tinubu was seen walking slowly while being supported by aides. At another point, he appeared to trip but was quickly held by those accompanying him.

The president also attracted attention during his speech after making a remark about the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, which generated reactions online.

“You want to compare my brain with that of Peter Obi?” Tinubu said.

He continued, “He (Obi) ran away from erosion in Anambra and now wants to be president, president of where? Lilikabu.”

The word “Lilikabu” could not be identified in standard English dictionaries or through online searches conducted by THE WHISTLER. The Presidency had also not provided any clarification on what the president meant by the expression as of the time of filing this report.

The latest controversy comes days after another incident at Tinubu’s campaign outing in Kaduna, where First Lady Oluremi Tinubu was seen handing what appeared to be a white tablet to the president shortly before he addressed the gathering.

Although the substance and purpose of the item were not independently established, the video generated speculation and questions about the president’s health, with some Nigerians asking him to reconsider his re-election ambition.

Friday’s appearance in Akwa Ibom has renewed those conversations, with reactions from Nigerians reflecting sharply divided opinions.

An X user, Okanumee, called on the president to step aside, writing, “Tinubu should go and rest. If he refuses, God will force him to rest.

“What’s all these because of power? It’s Nigerians that tolerates this rubbish.”

Tinubu should go and rest.If he refuses,God will force him to rest.What's all these because of power?It's Nigerians that tolerates this rubbish pic.twitter.com/0CmkhioMae

Another user, Michael, compared the situation to former United States President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race.

Ibom Deep Seaport Economic Gateway For S/South, Says Tinubu

APGA ​‌‍‌‍‍⁠⁠‍‌⁠⁠⁠⁠‍⁠‍‌​Adopts Tinubu As Presidential Candidate

“Even Joe Biden quit for someone else to run when he had falls like this,” he wrote.

He added, “Bola Tinubu and all of them supporting this are pure evil and only eats without conscience!

“He should go and rest! Or to be fair, APC cohorts provide someone fit to run.

“Whether good or bad we can’t want to progress as a country and have a shaky old man as this in control.

“We deserve better in this freaking country!!! From Buhari to Tinubu.”

Even Joe Biden quit for someone else to run when he had falls like this.Bola Tinubu and all of them supporting this are pure evil and only eats without conscience!He should go and rest! Or to be fair, APC cohorts provide someone fit to run.Whether good or bad we can’t want… https://t.co/fCJVIiEPUM

Similarly, Simon David called on Tinubu to step down, alleging that the president was seriously ill.

“How can a President of a whole black nation be falling like a Dick? Step down,” he wrote.

Tinubu is seriously ill and need to step down. How can a President of a whole black nation be falling like a Dick?Step down

However, not all reactions were critical of the president.

An X user, Fidel Otuya, defended Tinubu, arguing that his physical appearance should not be mistaken for a lack of capacity.

“They misread Tinubu’s body language. He appears to be sick & tired, but there lies his strength,” he wrote.

Otuya also described Tinubu’s speech as one of his strongest attacks on the opposition, adding that supporters of Atiku Abubakar and Obi would struggle to respond.

They misread Tinubu's body language. He appears to be sick & tired, but there lies his strength. The speech last night was one of his strongest and daring ever on the opposition. Even closest aides of Atiku & Obi must be hiding in shame, & short of appropriate response kit. https://t.co/CisUencNsl

Ibom Deep Seaport Economic Gateway For S/South, Says Tinubu