By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Presidential aide Ademola Oshodi on Monday, November 2, 2026, dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu’s Umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia aimed to attract Northern votes ahead of the January 16, 2027 elections. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Oshodi said the President’s access to the Holy Kaaba reflected religious significance and national pride. He also urged Nigerians to avoid politicising the pilgrimage.
Tinubu Granted Rare Access to Holy Kaaba
President Tinubu recently gained access to the interior of the Holy Kaaba in Makkah during his Saudi Arabian visit.
The Presidency said Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud authorised the rare privilege.
Tinubu departed Abuja for Saudi Arabia last Thursday, accompanied by governors, ministers and business leaders.
According to the State House, the President thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
He appreciated their decision to grant him and his delegation access to Islam’s holiest structure.
The President also said he prayed for divine wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians.
Tinubu Recalls Previous Umrah Prayer
Tinubu disclosed that he made a similar request during his Umrah pilgrimage before the 2023 general election.
He recalled asking Allah to bless his pilgrimage and grant him success.
He also said he promised to return and express gratitude after achieving his political ambition.
The President explained that his latest visit fulfilled that promise.
Furthermore, Tinubu announced the conclusion of his Saudi Arabian visit through a post on X on Monday.
He confirmed that he and members of his delegation entered the Holy Kaaba to pray.
Oshodi Says Pilgrimage Goes Beyond Northern Politics
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Oshodi rejected suggestions that Tinubu’s pilgrimage targeted Northern voters.
He argued that Nigerians should appreciate the religious importance of the President’s experience.
According to him, the opportunity carries significance beyond regional and political considerations.
Oshodi also described the access as a historic moment for Nigeria.
He noted that Tinubu became the first South-West Nigerian leader to receive the honour.
He urged Nigerians to consider how Muslims across the country viewed the development.
The presidential aide further encouraged other presidential candidates to seek divine guidance.
He suggested that candidates could visit religious destinations, including Jerusalem and Makkah.
Oshodi said Nigerians should not turn every presidential activity into a political controversy.
Atiku’s Aide Criticises Tinubu’s Religious Visit
However, Atiku Abubakar’s Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, criticised the President’s pilgrimage.
Shaibu argued that religious declarations could not guarantee a second presidential term.
His comments sparked further discussions about the political implications of Tinubu’s Saudi Arabian visit.
Nevertheless, Oshodi maintained that the pilgrimage deserved recognition for its religious significance.
He also noted that Tinubu had undertaken Umrah several times during his lifetime.
Buhari Also Entered the Holy Kaaba in 2016
Tinubu was not the first Nigerian President to gain access to the Holy Kaaba.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari also received the privilege during his Saudi Arabia visit in 2016.
The Holy Kaaba stands at the centre of the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
Muslims worldwide face the structure during their daily prayers.
Consequently, access to its interior remains restricted and represents a rare religious privilege.
Tinubu’s Umrah Visit Comes Ahead of 2027 Elections
The development comes as political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections.
The presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, according to the supplied report.
Tinubu has already commenced his re-election campaign activities.
He launched the campaign in Kaduna on October 24.
Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar remains among the political figures expected to challenge Tinubu.
The North also remains an important region in discussions surrounding the forthcoming presidential contest.
However, Oshodi insisted that Nigerians should view Tinubu’s pilgrimage beyond electoral calculations.
