President Tinubu’s Saudi Trip Not Medical – Presidency

The Presidency has pushed back against suggestions that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s forthcoming trip to Saudi Arabia is for medical purposes, maintaining that he is travelling to perform Umrah and pray for Nigeria’s future.

Segun Dada, Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, issued the response after Omoyele Sowore, political activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), questioned the purpose of the trip and raised concerns about the President’s health.

Dada said Tinubu would visit Makkah for the Lesser Hajj, a religious pilgrimage undertaken by Muslims. He explained that the President intended to pray for peace, stability and progress in Nigeria and seek divine guidance for his anticipated re-election campaign in 2027.

The presidential aide insisted that the journey should not be interpreted as a medical trip.

“President Tinubu is not heading to Saudi Arabia for medical treatment. He is heading to the Holy Land for Lesser Hajj (Umrah), like other Muslims across the world, to offer supplications for the country and commit his re-election journey into the hands of God,” he said.

Dada described the visit as consistent with the President’s religious beliefs, noting that Muslims often seek divine guidance before embarking on important journeys or pursuing major objectives.

He cited Tinubu’s previous visits to Makkah in April and December 2022, which occurred before the APC presidential primary and the 2023 general election.

According to the aide, the latest pilgrimage reflects the President’s continued practice of seeking spiritual guidance before major political engagements.

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Dada also dismissed claims that Tinubu was experiencing health problems, pointing to his recent schedule of public and official engagements.

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

The presidential aide also mentioned Tinubu’s participation in a Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja, where members considered government matters.

“Mr Sowore, a ‘sick person’ would not have this many itineraries to accomplish,” Dada said.

In a separate announcement, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed that Tinubu was scheduled to depart Abuja on Thursday for Makkah.

Onanuga said the visit would provide an opportunity for worship, reflection and prayers for Nigeria’s unity, stability and continued progress.

Before leaving Abuja, 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 pilgrimage.