Abuja, Nigeria - President Bola Tinubu suffered a fall while attempting to board a motorcade at the 2024 Democracy Day parade at Eagle Square in Abuja. The 72-year-old president lost his footing and stumbled into the stationary vehicle but was quickly assisted by his military aides. Despite the incident, Tinubu continued with the ceremony, smiling and acknowledging cheers from the crowd.

The presidency has since urged Nigerians to remember the president's humanity, with spokesman Bayo Onanuga drawing comparisons to similar slips by other world leaders, including President Biden and former President Obama.

Opposition leaders Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, who were among Tinubu's closest contenders in the 2023 presidential election, have offered their sympathies to the president. Abubakar expressed his hope that Tinubu is well, while Obi wished him well and emphasized the need for compassion and unity in the pursuit of a brighter future for Nigeria.

The incident did not appear to detract from the president's enthusiasm for the occasion, as he went on to deliver a speech honoring heroes of democracy, including MKO Abiola, and outlining his administration's efforts to strengthen the economy. A bill for a new minimum wage is also set to be sent to the National Assembly soon.

The president's fall has sparked a show of support and empathy from across the political divide, highlighting the importance of unity and compassion in Nigerian politics.