Gambiaj.com, (ABUJA, NIGERIA) – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has responded indirectly to critics questioning his stamina to remain in office, saying he prayed for the wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians and believes Allah has granted his request.
Tinubu made the remarks on Monday after performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia and being granted access to pray inside the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah. He described the experience as a historic spiritual privilege and said his prayers focused on his ability to continue serving the Nigerian people.
His comments came a day after the Makinde-Daura Presidential Campaign Organization (MDPCO), associated with the Allied Peoples Movement, called on him to abandon his re-election bid, arguing that Nigeria needs a president with sufficient stamina to cope with the demands of the office.
The organization’s Director of Strategic Communications, Richard Ihediwa, said Tinubu “does not have the stamina to continue in office,” arguing that leaders should not insist on remaining in office when they allegedly lack the “capacity, capability, and stamina” required to perform their duties.
Tinubu, however, framed his response around faith rather than the criticism itself.
“Well, I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted,” he said.
The President recalled that he made a similar prayer during his Umrah pilgrimage before the 2023 presidential election. He said he had asked Allah to bless that pilgrimage, subsequently emerged as president, and promised to return to offer thanks.
The comments amount to a clear expression of Tinubu’s confidence that he remains capable of carrying out his responsibilities, although he did not directly address the MDPCO’s allegations about his physical stamina.
Reflecting on Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26, Tinubu said political authority ultimately belongs to Allah, who can give or take power from anyone.
“There is no other God but Almighty Allah. He is the giver and the taker. He owns power and authority,” he said, adding that those entrusted with power must use it responsibly and with humility.
Tinubu also linked his continued leadership to what he described as a divine blessing, saying that becoming Nigeria’s president and commander-in-chief among millions of citizens was a favor from Allah.
“My commitment to Project Nigeria is higher,” he said, promising to continue pursuing policies aimed at economic development, prosperity, and greater opportunities for young Nigerians.
The President also defended the direction of his administration’s economic policies, saying “the foundation is solid” and that Nigeria’s economy had emerged from a difficult period.
His remarks came as he sought another term in office, placing his religious conviction and determination to continue leading Nigeria at the center of his response to growing political criticism over his capacity to sustain the demands of the presidency.
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