Tinubu’s Umrah Trip Not Aimed at Winning Northern Votes, Says Aide

A Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, Ademola Oshodi, has rejected claims that the President’s recent Umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia was intended to secure votes in Northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Oshodi made the clarification during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Monday, arguing that the President’s visit should be viewed from a religious and national perspective rather than through the lens of regional politics.

He said the opportunity granted to Tinubu to enter the Holy Kaaba in Makkah was significant to Muslims across the country, regardless of their geographical or political affiliations.

The presidential aide described the access as a rare privilege and noted that the President was the first leader from South-West Nigeria to receive the honour.

He also said Tinubu had undertaken Umrah and Hajj pilgrimages several times before, adding that the timing of the latest visit should not overshadow its religious significance.

Oshodi explained that the President had used the pilgrimage to seek divine guidance on how to lead Nigeria and secure victory in his re-election bid.

He urged other presidential candidates to seek spiritual guidance according to their religious beliefs, rather than interpreting the President’s pilgrimage as an electoral strategy.

Tinubu travelled to Saudi Arabia on October 29, accompanied by governors, ministers and members of the business community. He performed the Umrah rites in Makkah and was granted access to the interior of the Holy Kaaba alongside members of his delegation.

The Presidency said the privilege was authorised by Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Tinubu subsequently expressed appreciation to the Saudi leadership, saying he had prayed for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians.

The President also recalled undertaking a similar pilgrimage before the 2023 general election, during which he sought divine guidance for his political journey.

However, the visit attracted political commentary amid preparations for the January 16, 2027 presidential election. Atiku Abubakar’s Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, had criticised the pilgrimage, arguing that religious declarations could not guarantee a second term.

Tinubu’s re-election campaign was officially launched in Kaduna on October 24, with the North expected to remain an important region in the contest.