Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has questioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s planned trip to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, challenging the Presidency’s explanation that the visit is intended to pray for Nigeria.
Sowore raised the issue in a statement shared on his X account, questioning whether the country or the President himself needed prayers more amid Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.
The activist’s remarks followed the Presidency’s announcement that Tinubu would travel to Makkah to perform the Islamic lesser pilgrimage and pray for the nation’s peace, unity, stability and progress.
Sowore criticised the timing of the trip and expressed concern about the President’s planned overseas travel following his recent political engagement in Kaduna.
He also questioned the circumstances surrounding the journey, suggesting that the Presidency should provide Nigerians with greater clarity about the purpose of the visit.
The AAC chieftain’s comments have added to the debate surrounding presidential travel, public accountability and the expectations placed on Nigeria’s political leadership.
Tinubu’s aide on social media, Dada Olusegun, had rejected speculation that the President was travelling to Saudi Arabia for medical treatment, maintaining that the purpose of the journey was religious.
The State House also confirmed that the President intended to perform Umrah and pray for Nigeria before returning home the following week.
Sowore’s criticism reflects a broader political disagreement over how the President should balance official duties, international travel and the demands of governance at a time when many Nigerians are facing rising living costs and persistent insecurity.
Supporters of the President may view the pilgrimage as a legitimate religious undertaking, while critics have questioned whether the timing adequately reflects the urgency of the challenges confronting the country.
The controversy has also renewed public discussion about transparency surrounding presidential movements and the importance of communicating official travel plans clearly.
Although Sowore has questioned the President’s reasons for travelling, the Presidency has maintained that the trip is for Umrah and spiritual reflection.
The debate is likely to remain part of the wider political discourse as the administration continues to defend its policies and respond to criticism over the state of the country. Politics Nigeria+2