Questions as Tinubu Departs Abuja for Makkah to Pray for Nigeria
By KEMI KASUMU
In the meantime, questions are being raised by some Nigerians about the timing and rationale behind the President’s Umrah at this time. Some have linked the trip to concerns about the 2027 presidential election, arguing that the ways of Almighty Allah are different from those of His creatures.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Thursday for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah, an Islamic spiritual pilgrimage, and offer prayers for Nigeria.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the visit will provide the President an opportunity for spiritual reflection and prayers for the country’s peace, unity, stability and progress.
While in Makkah, Tinubu is expected to perform the religious rites associated with Umrah and seek Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its citizens.
Before departing Abuja, the President is scheduled to commission equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force for its operations at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The statement added that Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the spiritual exercise.
The trip comes as Nigerians continue to grapple with economic and security challenges, placing national leadership, governance and the welfare of citizens at the centre of public discourse.
The statement did not provide details of any official engagements during the visit.
In the meantime, questions are being raised by some Nigerians about the timing and rationale behind the President’s Umrah at this time. Some have linked the trip to concerns about the 2027 presidential election, arguing that the ways of Almighty Allah are different from those of His creatures.
Tinubu came to office in 2023 on the shoulders of Muslim-Muslim ticket but the Muslims believe that there has been no dispensation under which they have gone through unprecedented stigmatisation and ridicule under the same Muslim-Muslim administration .
