President Bola Tinubu has completed his Umrah pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, declaring himself spiritually fulfilled after using the visit to seek divine guidance, peace and national stability for Nigeria.
The President spoke shortly after completing the Islamic rites on Friday, describing the pilgrimage as a deeply personal experience that also carried significance for the country.
“It’s a spiritual thing for me and the country, Nigeria. I’m grateful to Allah for this opportunity,” Tinubu said.
Asked about the importance of returning to the holy land after performing Umrah before the 2023 presidential election, he described the latest visit as “very, very significant”.
Tinubu linked his decision to his affection for Nigerians, his dedication to public service and his belief that the outcome of human affairs ultimately rests with Allah.
“I believe the love of the people, the commitment to the job, and the physical commitment to it. I believe that Allah’s wish in His court must prevail,” he said.
He added that his prayers covered Nigerians across different backgrounds, with particular emphasis on peaceful coexistence, happiness and faith.
“We just pray for our nation. We pray for everyone to live in harmony, happiness, and faith in God Almighty,” the President said.
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Businessman Abdul Samad Rabiu, who accompanied Tinubu, also described the pilgrimage as an opportunity to seek lasting peace and national unity. He said the delegation had prayed for Nigeria and would continue to ask for free, fair and successful elections.
The election reference gives the visit added political significance as Nigeria approaches another electoral cycle. Although the delegation did not announce any political decision arising from the pilgrimage, its members repeatedly connected their prayers to national stability and a credible voting process.
Tinubu’s media aide, Tunde Rahman, disclosed that the President had maintained the practice of visiting Islam’s holy sites for spiritual reflection and prayers over several years.
Rahman, who said he had accompanied Tinubu since 2016, noted that the visits had become a regular feature of the President’s personal religious life.
“There’s never been a year that we didn’t come to seek the face of our Almighty Allah,” he said.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum also placed peace at the centre of his prayers, calling for an end to insecurity and lasting tranquillity across the country.
“The most important thing is for the return of peace and tranquillity to Nigeria. We pray that Almighty Allah shall give us lasting peace and tranquillity in Nigeria,” Zulum said.
He maintained that national unity was essential to Nigeria’s future and called for a peaceful electoral process.
Umrah, often called the lesser Hajj, is a pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims can undertake at any time of the year, unlike the annual Hajj, which takes place during specific Islamic dates. Its rites include entering a state of consecration, performing Tawaf around the Kaaba and undertaking Sa’i between Safa and Marwah.
Tinubu’s pilgrimage has therefore combined personal worship with prayers for the country, particularly at a time when questions of security, political stability and electoral credibility feature prominently in national affairs.
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