Isaac Fayose Sparks Debate After Questioning Tinubu Supporters Living in UK

Businessman and political commentator Isaac Fayose has sparked fresh political debate after questioning the loyalty of Nigerians in the diaspora who strongly support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while choosing to build their lives in the United Kingdom and other foreign countries.

In a widely circulated social media video, Fayose argued that many Nigerians living abroad publicly praise the Tinubu administration yet continue pursuing residency documents and permanent settlement overseas rather than returning home to live under the same government they defend.

The remarks have generated widespread discussion across social media platforms, with supporters and critics of the administration offering sharply different interpretations as political conversations ahead of the 2027 general election continue to intensify.

Fayose challenges diaspora supporters

In the viral video, Isaac Fayose questioned what he described as the contradiction between political support for the current administration and the personal decisions of some Nigerians living in the UK.

According to Fayose, individuals who believe Nigeria is progressing under President Tinubu should be willing to consider returning home instead of investing heavily in obtaining foreign residency or citizenship.

He also referenced Nigeria’s long-running debate over medical tourism, arguing that the country’s political leaders should inspire greater confidence in local institutions and public services.

His comments were directed broadly at diaspora supporters of the president and did not identify any specific individual by name.

Video fuels online political debate

The video quickly gained attention online, with many users sharing clips and debating Fayose’s position.

While some social media users agreed with his argument and described it as a valid criticism of political hypocrisy, others defended Nigerians in the diaspora, insisting that decisions to remain abroad are influenced by employment opportunities, education, family considerations and long-term economic security rather than political loyalty alone.

The reactions highlight how discussions surrounding migration and governance have increasingly become part of Nigeria’s wider political conversation ahead of the next presidential election.

Tinubu had urged diaspora professionals to return

Interestingly, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu himself recently appealed to Nigerian healthcare professionals living abroad to return home and contribute their expertise to national development during the 2026 National Diaspora Day celebration in Abuja.

The president said Nigeria needed the knowledge and experience of its citizens overseas to strengthen the country’s healthcare system and support ongoing reforms under his Renewed Hope Agenda.

The renewed attention to diaspora participation has therefore added another layer to the debate triggered by Fayose’s viral remarks.

Medical tourism remains part of public conversation

Fayose’s reference to leaders seeking treatment overseas also touches on a longstanding national discussion surrounding medical tourism and confidence in Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure.

Recent reports have noted renewed investments in healthcare facilities and efforts by the Federal Government to attract diaspora medical experts back into the country, while the issue of Nigerians travelling abroad for specialised treatment continues to attract public attention.

However, Fayose’s specific comments in the viral video represent his personal political opinion and should not be interpreted as an independently established fact.

Political conversations ahead of 2027

Isaac Fayose has remained one of the outspoken political commentators regularly involved in national conversations surrounding governance, elections and the future of Nigeria. Earlier this year, he publicly reaffirmed his political stance despite controversies surrounding his interactions with members of the Tinubu family.

As campaigns and political alignments gradually begin to shape discussions ahead of the 2027 general election, viral videos such as this continue to demonstrate the growing influence of social media personalities in shaping public opinion and driving national political conversations.

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