Presidency Says Poorly Laid Carpet Caused Tinubu’s Stumble in Ankara

The Presidency has explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s brief stumble during a ceremonial welcome in Ankara, Turkey, was caused by a poorly laid carpet.

The incident occurred on Tuesday as President Tinubu took part in a march-past alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the presidential complex in Ankara.

Video footage circulating online shows the President momentarily losing his footing while walking beside his host. He was quickly assisted by security personnel and continued with the programme without further interruption.

According to Arise Television, the Presidency attributed the incident to a poorly laid blue carpet at the venue.

Dada Olusegun, Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, confirmed that President Tinubu proceeded with his scheduled engagements, including bilateral meetings with President Erdoğan.

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