Tinubu's Saudi Arabia Trip for Umrah, Not Medical Care, Says Presidential Aide

President Bola Tinubu travelled to Saudi Arabia for an Umrah pilgrimage, not for medical treatment, according to Dada Olusegun, the president's Special Adviser on Social Media. Olusegun made this clarification on Thursday in response to statements from activist Omoyele Sowore, who had suggested on social media that health concerns surrounded Tinubu's international journey.

The presidential aide used his social media platform to address the speculation directly. Olusegun stated that Tinubu's trip to Saudi Arabia was undertaken to perform Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage in Islam, and to offer prayers for Nigeria's wellbeing.

The aide added that the president intended to commit his 2027 re-election campaign to divine intervention while in the holy city. In describing Tinubu's physical condition, Olusegun characterised the president as being in excellent health, citing recent public engagements as proof of his fitness.

The clarification from the presidency did not stop public discourse on the matter. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde publicly questioned the transparency surrounding Tinubu's Saudi Arabia visit, urging the administration to provide clearer communication about the president's travels.

Makinde's remarks, released on Thursday, generated varied reactions on social media platforms, with some users engaging in debate about the necessity of presidential disclosure on such matters. Sowore's initial social media post had framed the trip with language suggesting undisclosed health issues, prompting the immediate response from the presidential office.

The sources reported Olusegun's response came specifically on Thursday, October 29, 2026, following Tinubu's arrival in Makkah on October 28, 2026, for the religious observance.