President Tinubu to 'pray for Nigeria' during Saudi Arabia trip

What the report says

Nigeria’s presidency says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is travelling to Mecca in Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, the lesser Muslim pilgrimage, and will use the visit to pray for the country. According to spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the trip is meant to include spiritual reflection and prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and continued progress. BBC Africa reported from Abuja that Tinubu is 74 and is seeking a second term in office.

The presidency said Tinubu will carry out the religious rites associated with Umrah and seek guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its people. The article notes that Umrah can be performed at any time of year, unlike the annual Hajj, and is shorter in duration. Tinubu last travelled to Mecca for Umrah in 2022, while he was campaigning for the presidency.

The trip comes as Nigeria prepares for an election in January, with insecurity and the economy among the biggest issues on the campaign trail. Tinubu’s media aide, Olusegun Dada, rejected speculation that the president was travelling for medical checks, after social media discussion followed a recent video involving the first lady at the ruling All Progressives Congress campaign launch. BBC Africa said there was no official comment on that incident.

The report also places the journey in a wider context of religion’s importance in Nigeria, where more than 90% of people surveyed by Pew Research Center said faith is very important in their lives. Nigeria is roughly divided between Christians and Muslims, and the presidency framed the pilgrimage as part of Tinubu’s political and personal moment ahead of the vote.