Tinubu Heading To Saudi Arabia For Umrah, Not Medical Treatment — Presidential Aide F!res Back At Sowore

Presidential aide Dada Olusegun has dismissed speculation that President Bola Tinubu’s planned trip to Saudi Arabia is for medical treatment, insisting that the visit is intended for the performance of Umrah, the Islamic lesser pilgrimage.

Olusegun, the President’s Special Adviser on Social Media, made the clarification on Thursday while responding to concerns raised by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore regarding Tinubu’s health and proposed foreign trip.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the presidential aide explained that Tinubu intends to visit the holy land to pray for Nigeria and commit his plans for the 2027 presidential election to God.

He described the journey as a religious exercise rather than a medical visit, noting that Muslims often undertake Umrah to seek divine guidance and blessings before embarking on important personal or national endeavours.

Olusegun also recalled that Tinubu travelled to Makkah in April and December 2022 to perform Umrah ahead of the APC presidential primary and the general election, respectively.

According to the presidential aide, the President’s electoral success following those visits has reinforced his decision to return to the holy land to pray ahead of his anticipated re-election bid.

Addressing concerns about Tinubu’s health, Olusegun described the President as being “fit as a fiddle” and pointed to his recent official engagements as evidence of his ability to discharge his responsibilities.

He cited Tinubu’s recent visit to Kaduna to flag off activities relating to his re-election campaign, as well as his meeting with former African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina and his separate engagement with the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, Ola Awakan.

The presidential aide also referenced the Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by Tinubu, during which several important government decisions were considered.

Olusegun argued that the President’s busy schedule demonstrated his continued involvement in governance and rejected suggestions that the planned Saudi Arabian visit was connected to a health problem.

He further criticised Sowore’s comments, maintaining that the President’s journey should be understood within the context of his religious beliefs and established practice of seeking divine guidance before significant political milestones.

The exchange has drawn attention to Tinubu’s planned foreign trip, with the presidential aide insisting that the visit is religious in nature and dismissing claims that the President is travelling abroad for medical care.