Tinubu’s Saudi Trip for Umrah, Not Medical Treatment, Says Aide

The Presidency has maintained that President Bola Tinubu’s trip to Saudi Arabia is for the performance of Umrah and not for medical treatment, amid speculation surrounding his planned visit.

The President is scheduled to depart Abuja for Makkah on Thursday to undertake the Islamic spiritual exercise and pray for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and continued progress.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the trip in a statement, explaining that it would provide Tinubu with an opportunity for spiritual reflection and devotion.

According to the statement, the President will perform the religious rites associated with Umrah and seek Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its people. He is expected to return to the country next week after completing the pilgrimage.

Before departing Abuja, Tinubu is also expected to commission equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force for its operations at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

The announcement comes amid renewed public discussion about the President’s overseas travels and his health, with opposition figures questioning the details and purpose of his movements outside the country.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, through the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, has challenged the Presidency to provide daily, date-stamped photographs and videos showing Tinubu in Makkah and participating in the Umrah rites.

Atiku alleged that the President might make only a brief appearance in Makkah before travelling to France. He urged the Presidency to disclose the full itinerary and provide verifiable information about the trip. The allegation has not been substantiated by publicly available evidence. The Sun Nigeria +1

The Presidency’s announcement identifies Makkah as the destination and Umrah as the purpose of the visit. It does not indicate that the trip is for medical treatment.

Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed at any time of the year, unlike Hajj, which takes place during a specified period in the Islamic calendar.

The President’s trip is expected to conclude next week, after which he is due to return to Nigeria.