Tinubu Embarks on Umrah Pilgrimage Amid Criticism

President Bola Tinubu departed from Abuja on Thursday, October 29, 2026, to perform Umrah, an Islamic pilgrimage also known as the Lesser Hajj, in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The trip was announced by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, on Wednesday, October 28.

The visit aims to provide Tinubu with an opportunity for spiritual reflection and prayers for Nigeria's peace, unity, stability, and progress. Upon arrival at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, he was received by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and the Saudi Head of Royal Protocol, Ahmad bin Thafir.

On October 30, the Saudi Press Agency reported that Tinubu performed the Umrah rites at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. His departure was attended by six state governors and several senior government officials, including Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum.

Despite the religious nature of the trip, it has faced criticism, with Atiku Abubakar demanding daily evidence of the President's activities and Seyi Makinde questioning the necessity of the trip amid Nigeria's economic challenges.