Tinubu speaks on Eagle Square stumble, says ‘democracy worth falling for’

President Bola Tinubu has dismissed his fall during the presidential parade on 2024 Democracy Day, saying that “democracy is worth falling for”.

On Wednesday, the president missed his steps and fell while climbing the parade vehicle at Eagle Square in Abuja.

Tinubu momentarily lost his footing but quickly regained his balance with support from his aide-de-camp (ADC).

Clips of the fall went viral on social media, attracting reactions from many prominent Nigerians.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar described the incident as “unfortunate” while sympathising with the president. 

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, urged people against mocking Tinubu over the fall, noting that the incident “can happen to anyone”.

However, speaking at a dinner organised to mark the day, Tinubu described the episode as a “swagger” moment.

VIDEO: ‘I did my dobale this morning’ — Tinubu speaks on fall at Democracy Day parade#DemocracyDay2024#June12 pic.twitter.com/sXtNDriUUD

— TheCable (@thecableng) June 12, 2024

The president added that he was offering “prostration” as homage to the important celebration.

“Earlier this morning, I had a swagger, and it is on social media,” Tinubu said.

“They were confused about whether I was doing Buga or Babariga. But it is a day to celebrate democracy while prostrating as a form of respect for the day.

“I am a traditional Yoruba boy. I did my dobale. Democracy is a day that is worthy of falling for.”