Tinubu Performs Umrah in Makkah Amid Domestic Criticism

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu performed Umrah early Friday morning in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, shortly after arriving in the kingdom. He circled the Holy Kaaba at the Grand Mosque, Masjid al-Haram, in worship, devotion and thanksgiving.

The Presidency announced the trip on Wednesday, October 28, through Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga. Tinubu departed Abuja at approximately 2:20 pm on Thursday, October 29, from the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

“There is no other God but Allah. He is the only one who defines a human being, what he will be and what he will become.”

He arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, where Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Yakubu Gambo and Saudi Head of Royal Protocol Ahmad bin Thafir received him. Six state governors and several senior government officials saw him off before departure.

Tinubu said he prayed for Nigeria, asking Allah to grant the country sustainable peace, unity, harmony and stability. He described Umrah as significant because of his love for Nigerians, his commitment to his office and his desire for Allah’s will to prevail in the country’s affairs.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar demanded daily evidence of the President’s activities in the Holy Land. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde questioned the need for the trip, arguing that prayers could also be answered in Nigeria.

In a statement, the Presidency said Tinubu offered prayers of gratitude and sought Allah’s continued guidance and protection for Nigeria and its people. The President stressed that his prayers were directed towards the wellbeing of Nigerians.

The Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday that the Nigerian President had performed the Umrah rites at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.