Finance Minister Wale Edun Recovering in Abuja After Falling Ill, Presidency Denies Stroke Rumors

Finance Minister Wale Edun is recovering at his Abuja home after falling ill.

Presidency officials dismissed rumors of a stroke, confirming he is stable and receiving treatment locally.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, is recuperating at his Abuja residence after taking ill, top Presidency officials confirmed on Sunday.

Presidency sources clarified that his illness is not related to a stroke, as earlier speculated, and stressed that President Bola Tinubu has no plans to replace him.

According to a senior government insider, Edun’s health condition is “somewhat serious” but under control. The source noted that he is receiving care from local doctors and may only travel abroad for further treatment if required.

“He’s unwell, but it’s not a stroke,” the official explained, dismissing rumors about the gravity of his condition.

Earlier media reports had claimed that Edun’s illness was critical and that the Presidency had begun discreet consultations to find a successor. However, multiple officials have denied this, maintaining that the minister remains in Nigeria and is being closely monitored.

Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga also confirmed that the 69-year-old minister had recently taken ill but was recuperating steadily. “Yes, he’s indisposed but recovering. He’s still in the country and under observation,” Onanuga said.

In Edun’s absence, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, will lead the Nigerian delegation to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., starting Monday, October 13. The delegation will include Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu has left Abuja for Rome, Italy, to attend the Aqaba Process Heads of State and Government Meeting, which will focus on security challenges in West Africa.