Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has cleared the air regarding widespread rumours about his health, describing reports that he suffered a stroke and was flown abroad for treatment as false and misleading.
The minister’s clarification came through Jackson Ude, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and investigative journalist, who shared Edun’s response on his official X (formerly Twitter) page.
The post quickly drew attention, as it directly addressed days of speculation that had spread across several online platforms.
According to Ude, the finance minister personally refuted claims that he was in critical condition. He quoted Edun as saying,
“I don’t have a stroke. I am in Abuja and feeling better.”
This revelation came as a surprise to many Nigerians who had been concerned by his recent public absence.
The rumours intensified earlier in the week when Edun missed a high-profile economic delegation, leading to claims that he had been flown overseas following a sudden medical emergency.
However, Edun explained that while he had been unwell, his condition was not as serious as portrayed.
In his words, “I don’t have stroke. I am not diagnosed with stroke. I got a bit sick and had to stay back to get treatment. I am getting better now.”
The minister revealed that his illness forced him to cancel a scheduled trip to Washington, D.C., where he was expected to attend the 2025 IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings.
He noted that it was necessary to remain in Abuja to focus on recovery.
Meanwhile, Ude’s post has helped quell growing anxiety among Nigerians who had taken to social media to express concern about Edun’s wellbeing.
The Ministry of Finance has not released an official statement beyond Edun’s remarks, but sources close to the minister affirmed that he is “doing well” and “has continued to attend to essential matters from Abuja.”
The health rumours surfaced just days after Edun played a key role in discussions surrounding Nigeria’s economic recovery plan.
His absence from subsequent events had triggered waves of speculation, with several blogs and media outlets reporting that he had been rushed abroad.
