Special Adviser to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu’s upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia is for medical treatment, clarifying that the journey is strictly for the lesser Hajj (Umrah).
Olusegun stated that the President will use the holy pilgrimage to offer prayers for the peace of the nation and commit his 2027 re-election bid into the hands of God.
The clarification came via an official response on X on Thursday, following a post by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore.
Sowore had earlier claimed on social media that the country was in serious trouble, alleging that preparations were underway for the President to embark on a foreign trip amid growing concerns regarding his health.
The activist compared the situation to past administrations, questioning the motives behind assembling governors, ministers, and businessmen for the journey.
Refuting these assertions, Olusegun maintained that traveling to Makkah for spiritual reflection ahead of major milestones is a well-established practice for President Tinubu.
He recalled that the President undertook similar trips twice in 2022—first in April before the ruling party’s primary elections and again in late December ahead of the general polls—both of which preceded successful outcomes.
The presidential aide further countered insinuations about the President’s health by highlighting his recent rigorous schedule.
He noted that Tinubu had successfully flagged off his re-election campaign in Kaduna, hosted high-profile guests including former AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina and NTDA Director-General Ola Awakan, and presided over a Federal Executive Council meeting.
Concluding his statement, Olusegun asserted that an individual dealing with health challenges could not manage such a demanding itinerary.
Declaring the President “fit as a fiddle”, he dismissed the insinuations as malicious wishes and emphasized that the administration remains focused on its national objectives.
