Abuja, 28 October 2026
Human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, has called on Nigerians to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of a planned trip to Saudi Arabia. In posts shared on Wednesday, Sowore warned that Nigeria is in serious trouble and drew a direct parallel with the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
Sowore stated that after a rally in Kaduna, there are indications that Tinubu is being prepared for another foreign trip tomorrow, 29 October 2026, amid growing questions about his health. He claimed that five governors, some ministers, and prominent businessmen are being assembled for the journey, apparently to give it the appearance of an official business visit.
In one message, Sowore wrote: “Like Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who initially sought medical treatment in Germany before eventually travelling to Saudi Arabia, Tinubu has made repeated trips to France and is now heading to Saudi Arabia.” He headlined another post “PRAY FOR TINUBU!” and asked: “Like Yar’Adua, like Tinubu?”
The Presidency has separately announced that President Tinubu will depart Abuja on Thursday for Makkah in Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, an Islamic pilgrimage, and to pray for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability, and progress. According to a statement issued on Wednesday by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, the visit will provide an opportunity for spiritual reflection and devotion. While in Makkah, the President will perform the associated religious rites and seek guidance for the country and its people.
Before departing, Tinubu is expected to commission equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force for its operations. The commissioning will take place at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The President is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the exercise.
Former President Yar’Adua, who died in 2010, had previously sought medical treatment in Germany for longstanding kidney related conditions before travelling to Saudi Arabia for further care linked to heart complications. His extended absence from Nigeria at the time triggered a prolonged political crisis.
As of Wednesday evening, the Presidency has described the forthcoming trip solely in terms of spiritual reflection and national prayers. No official statement has confirmed any health related purpose for the journey.
By John James
