Tinubu’s Visit to Saudi Arabia Not Medical, Presidency Clarifies

The Presidency has rejected allegations that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s planned journey to Saudi Arabia is for medical treatment, explaining that the visit is intended for the performance of Umrah and prayers for Nigeria.

Segun Dada, the President’s Special Assistant on Social Media, issued the clarification following questions raised by Omoyele Sowore, political activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), about Tinubu’s health and the timing of his trip.

Dada maintained that the President would visit Makkah to undertake the Lesser Hajj, a religious exercise observed by Muslims around the world. He said the pilgrimage would provide an opportunity for Tinubu to pray for national peace, stability and progress, as well as seek divine guidance concerning his political ambitions ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

“President Tinubu is not heading to Saudi Arabia for medical treatment,” Dada stated, stressing that the journey was religious rather than medical.

The presidential aide described the pilgrimage as part of a longstanding religious tradition, noting that Muslims often turn to prayer before embarking on important journeys or pursuing significant goals.

He also pointed to Tinubu’s previous visits to Makkah in April and December 2022. Those trips took place before the APC presidential primary and the 2023 general election.

According to Dada, the President’s decision to perform Umrah again reflects his personal religious practice and desire to seek God’s guidance.

The aide also challenged claims about Tinubu’s health, citing the President’s recent public engagements and official responsibilities.

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He said Tinubu travelled to Kaduna on Saturday to inaugurate his re-election campaign. The President subsequently held meetings with Dr Akinwumi Adesina, former president of the African Development Bank, and Ola Awakan, Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority.

Dada further cited Tinubu’s participation in a Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja, where several government matters were considered.

“Mr Sowore, a ‘sick person’ would not have this many itineraries to accomplish,” he said in response to the criticism.

Separately, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, announced that Tinubu would leave Abuja on Thursday for Makkah.

Onanuga said the pilgrimage would allow the President to engage in spiritual reflection and pray for Nigeria’s unity, stability and continued development.

Before leaving the country, Tinubu was scheduled to commission equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

The President is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the religious exercise.