President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, the lesser Islamic pilgrimage, with the Presidency dismissing speculation that the trip is intended for medical treatment.
The clarification was issued by Dada Olusegun, the President’s Special Adviser on Social Media, in a post on X on Thursday, following questions raised by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore about the purpose of the planned foreign visit.
Olusegun said the President would undertake the religious pilgrimage and use the opportunity to pray for Nigeria, including seeking divine intervention for the country and his re-election bid in 2027.
His response followed a post by Sowore on Wednesday in which the activist questioned the purpose of another overseas trip by the President.
Sowore alleged that Tinubu was preparing to travel on Thursday, October 29, following his recent campaign appearance in Kaduna. He also claimed that five governors, some ministers and prominent businesspeople were expected to accompany the President.
The activist suggested that the presence of government officials and business figures could make the trip appear to be an official business engagement.
However, Olusegun rejected the suggestion that the journey was for medical purposes, describing it instead as a religious exercise.
In an official statement issued on Wednesday, the Presidency confirmed that Tinubu would travel to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah and pray for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and continued progress.
The statement also disclosed that the President would commission equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja before departing for the trip.
Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the pilgrimage.
The announcement comes amid recurring public debate about presidential travel, the cost of overseas trips and the importance of transparency concerning the President’s official engagements.
Presidential foreign visits can serve diplomatic, economic, religious or personal purposes. Public interest often centres on the purpose of each journey, the officials accompanying the President and whether the trip involves activities that directly advance national priorities.
In this instance, the Presidency has publicly identified Umrah as the purpose of Tinubu’s visit. Sowore’s suggestions about medical treatment and the composition of the travelling delegation remain allegations rather than established facts.
The development also comes as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the President’s supporters and opponents increasingly scrutinising his public appearances and official engagements.