‘Seek God Like Tinubu Did’ – Presidency sends message Atiku, Obi, other presidential candidates

The Presidency has urged other presidential candidates to seek God’s guidance and intervention, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, where he performed the lesser Hajj, known as Umrah.

Ademola Oshodi, Special Adviser to the President on Affairs and Protocols, made the appeal during an appearance on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television.

Oshodi said other presidential hopefuls should also make efforts to seek divine guidance, whether by travelling to Jerusalem or Mecca or through other spiritual means.

He, however, cautioned against placing excessive political emphasis on 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,” Oshodi said.

“We should not overemphasise somebody seeking God.”

His comments followed Tinubu’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia, where the President performed 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 post on his official X account, expressing gratitude to Saudi authorities for granting him and members of his delegation access to the sacred structure.

The President thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for the privilege and hospitality extended to his delegation.

In his statement, Tinubu said he had concluded his visit to the Kingdom, where he performed Umrah and prayed inside the Holy Kaaba.

“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,” he wrote.

Tinubu described the experience as a reflection of the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, particularly their religious and diplomatic ties.

He said he used the opportunity to pray for peace, unity and prosperity in Nigeria, as well as the wellbeing of its 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, the President said he had asked Almighty Allah for wisdom and resilience to continue leading the country.

Tinubu recalled that he made a similar prayer before the 2023 presidential election and returned to Saudi Arabia to express gratitude for what he described as 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,” he said.

The President also referred to Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26 of the Holy Qur’an, which speaks about God’s ultimate authority over power and sovereignty.

He said political authority was a responsibility that leaders must exercise with humility and in accordance with God’s wishes.

Tinubu described his emergence as Nigeria’s leader as a special blessing from Allah, saying the experience had strengthened his commitment to 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 optimism about the direction of his administration, describing the country’s economic foundation as solid.

“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, saying decisions taken by current leaders would shape how future generations remember them.

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