13/10/2025
𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝘀 𝗦𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝘂𝗺𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝗶𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀
The Presidency has debunked widespread reports suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to replace the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, following his recent illness.
According to Punch, Multiple credible sources within the Presidential Villa confirmed on Sunday that Edun is currently recuperating at his Abuja residence after taking ill, contrary to viral claims that he had suffered a stroke or been flown abroad for medical treatment.
A senior government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, dismissed the rumours as baseless and exaggerated.
“Yes, he’s indisposed, and it’s a bit serious, but it’s not a stroke,” the source clarified. “As we speak, he is at home in Abuja and has not been flown out of the country. Of course, if his doctors deem it necessary, he may seek further medical attention abroad, but for now, he’s being treated locally.”
Another top official corroborated the account, confirming that Edun is receiving care from Nigerian doctors.
“They are closely monitoring his health, and if the situation requires it, he may travel for additional treatment. But for now, he remains in Nigeria, and there are no discussions whatsoever about replacing him,” the official stated.
Speaking further on the matter, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, reaffirmed that the minister is recuperating in Nigeria.
“Yes, he’s unwell, but he’s stable and recovering. Wale Edun is 69 years old; he fell ill suddenly, but he’s around and getting better,” Onanuga said.
The Presidency’s response follows an earlier report by The Whistler claiming that President Tinubu was considering replacing Edun due to his health condition.
Meanwhile, the government had earlier announced that Edun would not be attending the 2025 World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C. Instead, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, will lead Nigeria’s delegation.
The annual meetings, which convene global finance ministers, central bank governors, and economic experts, are scheduled to commence on Monday, October 14.
Mr. Edun, appointed on August 28, 2023, has played a pivotal role in driving President Tinubu’s economic reform agenda, particularly in stabilising the naira, curbing inflation, and attracting foreign investments.
Before his federal appointment, Edun served as Lagos State Commissioner for Finance under then-Governor Tinubu between 1999 and 2004.
As of the time of this report, the Ministry of Finance has yet to issue an official statement on the minister’s health status.
