Makinde slams Tinubu's Saudi prayer trip: 'We'll pray here in Nigeria'
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, also the Advanced Peoples Movement presidential candidate, criticised President Bola Tinubu's trip to Saudi Arabia for lesser hajj, saying prayers for Nigeria don't require foreign travel. "Prayers are answered even in this country. We will stay here and pray for our country and leaders," Makinde stated, arguing leadership means staying with citizens through hardship rather than travelling abroad.
Makinde said the President could pray from Aso Rock, churches, mosques, or anywhere in Nigeria and God would still answer. His party, the APM, will not embark on foreign prayer trips but will remain with Nigerians. The criticism lands as many citizens face economic pressure and insecurity, with growing questions about frequent official foreign trips.
The President's Saudi visit was officially for lesser hajj, but Makinde framed it as symbolic of a leadership disconnect. Whether the trip achieves diplomatic or spiritual goals, the optics of a president leaving a struggling nation to pray elsewhere resonates politically.
As 2027 positioning begins, will voters reward leaders who stay through the storm or those who seek solutions abroad?