By The Merit Newspaper Correspondent
Enugu, Nigeria -October 30, 2026
Oyo State Governor and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his trip to Saudi Arabia to pray for Nigeria, arguing that the country’s challenges require effective leadership and greater transparency.
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Makinde made the remarks during the APM’s South-East town hall meeting in Enugu, where he reacted to reports that Tinubu was travelling to Saudi Arabia to seek divine intervention for Nigeria.
According to reports published on Thursday, October 29, the governor maintained that Nigerians could pray for their country and its leaders without travelling abroad.
“I saw on social media that our president is travelling to Saudi Arabia to pray for Nigeria. Well, we will stay here, we will pray for Nigeria, we will also pray for our leaders, because Nigeria belongs to all of us,” Makinde was quoted as saying.
The governor also called on the Federal Government to be transparent about the country’s situation, insisting that national progress requires honesty and a collective commitment to addressing the challenges facing citizens.
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Makinde’s comments came amid public debate over economic hardship, insecurity and the government’s response to the difficulties confronting Nigerians. His remarks also highlighted the growing political differences between him and the Tinubu administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
President Tinubu departed Abuja for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday, October 29, to perform the lesser Hajj, also known as Umrah. Before his departure, the President said he would pray for Nigeria’s peace, national unity, stability and development.
The Merit Newspaper reports that the exchange has added a political dimension to the President’s religious journey, with Makinde emphasising that prayers should be accompanied by practical efforts to improve the country’s circumstances.
As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, the comments are likely to fuel further debate over governance, public accountability and the approaches political leaders propose for addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
