Posted by Chinenye on Wed 04th Nov, 2026 - tori.ng
President Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after spending one week in Saudi Arabia, where he performed a special Muslim prayer known as Umrah.
(Governor of Jeddah, Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi(R), with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the President Depart Umrah. Photo Credit: State House)
President Bola Tinubu has left Jeddah for Abuja after completing a week-long lesser pilgrimage, known as Umrah, in Makkah.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said in a statement on Wednesday that the presidential plane took off from the Royal Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport at 5:13 p.m. Saudi time.
The Deputy Governor of Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Nigeria's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and Consul-General Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya saw him off.
Before leaving, Tinubu met the deputy governor at the airport's Royal Guest Palace.
The visit began last Thursday.
Tinubu and his delegation performed Umrah rites, including walking around the Ka'aba at Masjid al Haram.
On Sunday, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud allowed Tinubu to enter the inside of the Ka'aba, where he and his team prayed two units of prayer.
Inside, Tinubu prayed for lasting peace, security, unity and prosperity for Nigeria, and for wisdom and strength to keep serving the people.
The trip has drawn political attention because it came days after he formally launched his re-election campaign in Kaduna on October 24.
The general election is set for January 16, 2027, less than 75 days away.
After completing his Umrah rites on Friday, Tinubu told journalists that only God decides who leads Nigeria.
On Monday, he reaffirmed his commitment to what he calls "Project Nigeria," saying he is determined to bring prosperity and develop the country.
He thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their hospitality and for the access granted to the Ka'aba.
Members of the return delegation include National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and the governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe states.