President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has travelled to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to perform the lesser Hajj pilgrimage, known as Umrah, during which he is expected to offer prayers for Nigeria.
The President’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said the trip would provide Tinubu with an opportunity for spiritual reflection and devotion, as well as prayers for the country’s peace, unity, stability and continued progress.
According to Onanuga, the President will observe the religious rites associated with Umrah while seeking Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its people.
Tinubu, who is a Muslim from southern Nigeria, last performed the lesser Hajj in 2022 while campaigning for the presidency.
Meanwhile, the President’s media aide, Olusegun Dada, has dismissed speculation that the Saudi Arabian trip is connected to medical examinations.
The speculation followed discussions on social media after a video from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign launch appeared to show First Lady Oluremi Tinubu putting something into the President’s mouth. No official explanation has been given regarding the incident.
In a post on X, Dada maintained that the President’s journey was intended for prayers for the country and to commit his re-election ambition into God’s hands as he begins another major political journey.
He explained that performing Umrah before important personal or political milestones is a common practice among Muslims, noting that Tinubu also undertook the pilgrimage ahead of the APC presidential primary in 2022.
Unlike the annual Hajj, which takes place on specific dates and is obligatory once in a lifetime for Muslims who are physically and financially able, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year and involves a shorter set of religious rites.
The President’s trip comes as Nigeria prepares for another general election scheduled for January 16, with security and economic challenges expected to feature prominently in political campaigns.
Tinubu’s major challengers are expected to include former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.
Nigeria continues to face several security threats, including Islamist insurgency, attacks and kidnappings by armed criminal gangs, communal clashes over land and separatist unrest.
