The Presidency has dismissed reports claiming that the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, suffered a stroke and was evacuated abroad for treatment.
Presidential officials clarified on Sunday night that Edun is currently recuperating at his Abuja residence after taking ill, but firmly denied that he was in critical condition or had travelled overseas.
A senior government source, who asked not to be named, described the circulating rumours as "false and misleading."
"Yes, he’s indisposed. He’s sick, which is a bit serious, but it’s not a stroke. He’s in his house; he has not been flown anywhere.
"Of course, he might seek medical attention abroad if doctors recommend it. But he doesn’t have a stroke — he’s only indisposed," the source said.
Another Presidency official confirmed that the 69-year-old minister remains under close observation by Nigerian medical professionals and that there are no considerations to replace him.
"He’s being attended to by Nigerian doctors. They’re monitoring him, and if there’s a need for care outside Nigeria, he will go. But for now, he’s still at home. There are no plans to replace him," the official said.
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The clarification followed online speculation suggesting President Bola Tinubu was preparing to appoint a replacement due to Edun’s health.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, reiterated that the minister is undergoing treatment in-country.
"Yes, he’s indisposed. Wale Edun is about 69 years old. He suddenly fell ill. As we speak, he is in Nigeria and recuperating," Onanuga said.
Meanwhile, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 2025 Annual Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF), which begin today in Washington.
Cardoso is attending in his capacity as Nigeria’s Alternate Governor at the Bretton Woods institutions, standing in for the recovering minister.
The delegation also includes the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, alongside other senior officials.
Major sessions at this year’s meetings include the Development Committee Plenary on 16 October and the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) meeting on 17 October.
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