An aide to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, has called for independent medical fitness assessments for presidential candidates ahead of the 2027 election, following renewed debate over President Bola Tinubu’s health.

Ibe, who speaks for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential aspirant, made the call while reacting to a viral video of Tinubu at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna on Saturday.

Speaking to Warri Aproko News on Sunday, Ibe alleged that the president appeared unsteady in the footage and argued that he should prioritise medical attention over campaign activities.

“Medical care is what Tinubu needs now, not the campaign,” Ibe said, adding that he believed the video raised questions about the president’s health.

He also questioned the camera coverage of the event, alleging that the footage did not adequately show the president during parts of his appearance.

Ibe argued that the health of presidential candidates should be treated as a matter of national importance and proposed that the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) lead an independent panel to assess candidates’ medical fitness before the election.

His comments have added to the debate over the health of political leaders ahead of the 2027 general election. However, the claims about Tinubu’s condition have not been independently medically verified.

The Presidency had not responded to Ibe’s latest allegations at the time of the report. Tinubu has previously dismissed speculation about his health, saying after a vacation in the United Kingdom and France in September that he was well and ready to resume his activities.