President Bola Tinubu has said the outcome of his 2027 re-election bid rests with Allah, as he concluded his Umrah pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
The President made the remarks on Friday after completing the Lesser Hajj. He also used the occasion to call on Nigerians to embrace unity and turn the country’s diversity into a strength.
Tinubu travelled to Saudi Arabia on Thursday to perform the spiritual exercise. Speaking with journalists after the pilgrimage, he said his prayers covered both his personal ambitions and Nigeria’s future.
The President expressed faith in divine authority when asked about his decision to visit the Holy Land ahead of another presidential election, having undertaken a similar pilgrimage before the 2023 polls.
He said the people’s love, dedication to public service and his commitment to the job mattered. However, he maintained that Allah’s will would ultimately determine the outcome.
Tinubu described the pilgrimage as spiritually fulfilling and thanked Allah for the opportunity to pray for himself and the country.
He also prayed for Nigerians to enjoy peace, happiness and continued harmony.
Tinubu Calls for National Unity Ahead of 2027 Elections
The President urged citizens to look beyond their differences and work towards shared national goals.
He said Nigeria’s diversity remained an important strength that could support national development, peace and security.
Tinubu stressed that building a prosperous country required collective commitment and a willingness to work together.
Members of the presidential delegation also offered prayers for Nigeria’s stability, improved security and successful conduct of the 2027 general elections.
Presidential aide Tunde Rahman said the pilgrimage had remained part of Tinubu’s spiritual routine for years. He recalled accompanying the President on similar visits since 2016.
Rahman explained that the delegation attached particular importance to the current pilgrimage because of the country’s political and security challenges.
He added that the leaders prayed for peaceful, free, fair and credible elections in 2027.
Zulum, Fintiri, Other Governors Seek Peace for Nigeria
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum said the delegation placed particular emphasis on restoring lasting peace across the country.
He described peace and national unity as essential priorities and expressed hope that the next elections would take place without violence.
Adamawa State Governor Umaru Fintiri said the delegation joined Tinubu in praying for Nigeria and the success of the forthcoming elections.
He added that they also sought divine guidance to help Nigerians secure responsible leadership.
Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu described the pilgrimage as a fulfilling experience. He said the delegation came together to pray for national peace, stability and progress.
Former Zamfara State Governor and Senator, Abdulaziz Yari, said Tinubu’s decision to commit the country’s affairs to Allah reflected his belief in divine authority.
However, Yari noted that political leaders must also engage voters, present their achievements and seek public support through democratic processes.
Uba Sani Raises Concern Over Insecurity
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani said insecurity featured prominently in the delegation’s prayers.
He acknowledged efforts by the Federal Government, state governors and security agencies but called for stronger public cooperation.
According to him, security agencies need timely information and support from citizens to tackle threats effectively.
Sani urged Nigerians to demonstrate patriotism and take collective responsibility for protecting lives and property.
He also said governors needed divine guidance as they worked to fulfil their constitutional responsibilities to safeguard residents.
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr Yakubu Gambo, commended Tinubu for bringing political leaders together to perform Umrah and pray for the country.
Gambo said the pilgrimage proceeded smoothly and expressed hope that Allah would accept the prayers offered for Nigeria’s future.
Other officials who accompanied the President included Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.
Tinubu arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday night through King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.
The Nigerian ambassador and Saudi Arabia’s Head of Royal Protocol, Ahmad bin Thafir, received him at the airport.
The President is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing his spiritual engagements.