2027: Tinubu links Makkah pilgrimage to re-election bid

President Bola Tinubu has described his Umrah pilgrimage to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, as a deeply spiritual experience, saying it offers him an opportunity to pray for Nigeria while expressing confidence in his commitment to the country ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Tinubu spoke in a video shared on his X account on Friday after performing the lesser Hajj in the early hours of the day.

The President said he was grateful to Almighty Allah for the opportunity to undertake the pilgrimage, adding that his prayers centred on Nigeria’s peace, unity and prosperity.

“I am grateful to Almighty Allah for the privilege of performing Umrah here in Saudi Arabia,” he said.

“This is a deeply spiritual moment for me, and an opportunity to offer prayers for our beloved country, Nigeria, and all our people.”

He prayed for divine intervention to address the country’s challenges and strengthen national unity.

“May Almighty Allah accept our prayers and supplications, grant our nation lasting peace, strengthen our unity, protect our people, and bless our collective efforts to build a more prosperous Nigeria,” Tinubu said.

“May He grant us wisdom and strength in the service of our nation and accept our Ibadah.”

The President also said the pilgrimage held particular significance for him as he pursued re-election in 2027, linking his faith to his commitment to Nigerians and his responsibilities as leader of the country.

Tinubu, who won the 2023 presidential election, undertook a similar pilgrimage shortly before that election.

Explaining the significance of the latest journey, he said: “I believe this Umrah is very significant for the love of our people, commitment to the job and our country, Nigeria; commitment to the will of Allah that his words must prevail, and that there’s no other God but Allah and he’s the only one that makes a human being what he can be and what he would be in life.”

He added: “We just pray for our nation. We pray for everyone to be well, to live in harmony and faith in God almighty.”

Tinubu arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah on Thursday evening before travelling to Makkah for the religious exercise.

He was received at the airport by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and the Saudi head of royal protocol, Ahmad bin Thafir.

The President’s pilgrimage comes as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general election.

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