President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to perform the lesser Hajj, with a presidential aide disclosing that he will also pray for his re-election in 2027.
Tinubu arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport on Thursday for the religious exercise in Makkah, where he is expected to offer prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and development.
The Special Adviser to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, said the President would also commit his re-election bid to God during the pilgrimage.
Olusegun disclosed this while responding to claims by human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, who questioned the President’s health and suggested that the trip was for medical treatment.
“President Tinubu is not heading to Saudi Arabia for medical treatment. He is heading to the Holy Land for the Lesser Hajj (Umrah), like other Muslims across the world, to offer supplications for the country and commit his re-election journey into the hands of God,” he said.
The presidential aide said Tinubu had performed Umrah twice in 2022, ahead of the All Progressives Congress presidential primary and the general election.
He argued that the President was repeating the religious exercise ahead of another political milestone.
Olusegun also dismissed concerns about Tinubu’s health, citing his recent official engagements, including the Federal Executive Council meeting on Thursday.
The President was received in Jeddah by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and the Saudi Head of Royal Protocol, Ahmad bin Thafir.
He is expected to return to Nigeria next week.
Before departing Abuja, Tinubu commissioned five newly acquired Nigerian Air Force helicopters intended to strengthen military operations against terrorism and other security threats.
The aircraft comprise two Airbus H-125 helicopters and three Agusta 109 Trekker B helicopters.
He also inaugurated the newly constructed Presidential Air Fleet Hangar at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
Tinubu departed from the Presidential Wing of the airport at about 2:20pm on Thursday, accompanied by an entourage that included state governors and senior government officials.
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