President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked Nigerians to forgive him if he has sinned against them, while urging citizens to embrace forgiveness, unity, kindness, and moral renewal at the beginning of Ramadan.
The President made the appeal on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, during the opening session of this year’s Ramadan Tafsir (Quranic exegesis) at the State House mosque in Abuja.
Tinubu highlighted the rare coincidence of Ramadan and the Christian season of Lent beginning on the same day, describing it as a powerful symbol of shared spiritual values across Nigeria’s diverse faiths.
“Ramadan coincides with Lent, reminding us of our common commitment to sacrifice, discipline, prayer, and self-denial,” he said.
He emphasised that the true essence of fasting goes beyond abstaining from food and drink—it must translate into good deeds, love for humanity, forgiveness, and compassion.
“We start this Ramadan with all the teaching that it brings to us all. But the main principle is to do good to people, to share love and faith, and to forgive sins. I say, if I have sinned, forgive me as Nigerians,” Tinubu declared.
The President called on Nigerians of all faiths to pray fervently for peace, national stability, and victory over insecurity, including terrorism and banditry.
Abdulwahid Suleiman, Chief Imam of the State House mosque, opened the session by thanking Allah for allowing Muslims to witness another Ramadan. He commended President Tinubu’s leadership and prayed for divine wisdom, good health, strength, and success for the President, his team, and the entire nation.
The Tafsir session marks the formal start of the President’s participation in Ramadan activities at the State House, coinciding with the first day of fasting for Muslims nationwide.
The President’s personal appeal for forgiveness and call for national unity come amid ongoing challenges facing the country, including economic pressures and security concerns, as he seeks collective support and spiritual renewal during the holy month.
