The Presidency has urged other presidential aspirants in Nigeria to embark on spiritual journeys and seek divine guidance, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
Ademola Oshodi, Special Adviser to the President on Affairs and Protocols, made the appeal during an appearance on Channels Television’s Today programme.
Oshodi suggested that other politicians seeking the nation’s highest political office should also make efforts to seek God’s intervention, regardless of their religious backgrounds or the destinations they choose.
He specifically mentioned Jerusalem and Mecca as possible destinations, while cautioning against excessive criticism or attention to Tinubu’s religious activities.
“I suggest other presidential candidates should also go out to seek God. Whether they have to go to Jerusalem or they have to go to Mecca themselves,” he said.
“We should not overemphasise somebody seeking God.”
His remarks followed Tinubu’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia, where the President performed the lesser Hajj, known as Umrah, and was granted the rare privilege of entering the Holy Kaaba in Makkah to offer prayers.
Tinubu announced the conclusion of his visit in a statement shared on his official X account, expressing appreciation to the Saudi authorities for granting him and members of his delegation access to the sacred Islamic structure.
The President particularly thanked Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for the hospitality and privilege extended to his delegation.
“I have concluded my visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where, together with members of my delegation, I had the rare honour of entering the Holy Kaaba to pray, and of performing Umrah,” Tinubu wrote.
He described the experience as a reflection of the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, particularly their religious and diplomatic connections.
The President also disclosed that he used the opportunity to pray for Nigeria’s peace, unity and prosperity, as well as the wellbeing of citizens.
“In those sacred moments, I prayed for peace, unity and prosperity for our dear nation and for all Nigerians,” he added.
During a subsequent interaction, Tinubu revealed that he had specifically asked Almighty Allah for wisdom and resilience to continue leading the country.
He explained that he made a similar request before the 2023 presidential election and returned to Saudi Arabia to express gratitude for what he considered an answered prayer.
“Well, I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted. Before the 2023 election, I did the same thing. I asked Allah to bless my Umrah then, and He did. And I promised that I would come back to thank Him,” the President said.
Tinubu also referenced Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26 of the Holy Qur’an, which emphasises God’s ultimate authority over power, sovereignty and leadership.
He maintained that political authority was a responsibility that leaders must exercise with humility and in accordance with God’s will.
The President further described his emergence as Nigeria’s leader as a special blessing from Allah, adding that the experience had strengthened his determination to pursue national development.
“My commitment to Project Nigeria is higher. I am determined to usher in prosperity and fully develop the country, consistent with the wish of Allah and the support of the people,” he said.
On the economy, Tinubu expressed confidence in the direction of his administration, describing the country’s economic foundation as solid and suggesting that Nigeria had moved beyond its most difficult economic period.
“The foundation is solid, and the economy has come out of the dark tunnel. This is inspiring,” he stated.
He also emphasised the need to invest in young Nigerians, noting that decisions taken by present leaders would shape how future generations remember their time in office.
