President Bola Tinubu has wrapped up his visit to Saudi Arabia, saying he and members of his delegation were granted the rare privilege of entering the Holy Kaaba in Mecca to pray during their Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage.

What the President said

In a statement on his official social media account on Monday, 2 November 2026, Tinubu thanked King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the invitation and for their hospitality. He said that inside the Kaaba he prayed for peace, unity and prosperity for Nigeria and all Nigerians, and described the gesture as a sign of the long-standing bonds of faith and friendship between the two countries.

In a further statement released through his adviser Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said he had asked God for wisdom and resilience to keep serving the people. Referring to a verse of the Quran, he said all power belongs to God, who can give leadership to anyone and take it away, and described being chosen as president out of about 200 million people as a great favour.

Why it matters

The Kaaba, inside the Grand Mosque in Mecca, is Islam's most sacred site. Entry into the structure itself is rarely allowed and is usually granted only to heads of state and other dignitaries invited by the Saudi royal family.

How people reacted

Supporters praised the President and prayed for him to lead well. Critics questioned the timing of the trip so close to the 2027 elections. Former senator Dino Melaye, an opposition figure, challenged Tinubu on X to a Quran recitation contest when he returns. Last week, Oyo governor and APM presidential candidate Seyi Makinde asked the Presidency to be more open about the purpose of the trip, while activist Omoyele Sowore claimed it was for medical treatment. The Presidency rejected that claim, saying the President travelled for Umrah, as he did twice in 2022.

What happens next

The President is expected back in Abuja in the coming days as campaigning for the January 2027 elections intensifies.

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has made it clear that opposition political parties should be allowed to use government-owned facilities in the state, provided they follow the proper procedures and pay the required fees.

The directive

According to the governor, he has already given instructions that no political party should be prevented from using public facilities, including the stadium, simply because it belongs to the opposition.

A message of political tolerance

Otti's position sends an important message about tolerance and fairness. Government facilities are maintained with public resources, and access to them should not depend on which party someone supports.

This is one area where Nigerian politicians need to learn to separate governance from party politics. You can disagree with your opponents and campaign against them, and still respect their right to operate within the law.

Governor Otti appears to be making that distinction clear in Abia State.

The big question

How many Nigerian governors would willingly allow opposition parties to use government facilities for their political activities?

Politics should never be an excuse to deny citizens their rights.

President Bola Tinubu has hosted senior government officials, state governors and business leaders at a dinner in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during his Umrah pilgrimage.

Who attended

According to a statement by the President's adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday, 1 November 2026, those at the dinner included Yobe Governor Mai Mala Buni, Kaduna Governor Uba Sani, Jigawa Governor Mohammed Namadi, Sokoto Governor Ahmed Aliyu and Borno Governor Babagana Zulum. Also present were National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate, political adviser Ibrahim Masari and Oando chief executive Wale Tinubu. Kwara Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, BUA chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu and Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi also spoke at the event.

What the President said

Tinubu reportedly prayed for peace, unity and prosperity in Nigeria and urged Nigerians to see the country's ethnic, religious and cultural diversity as a strength. He said Nigeria's people and natural resources provide a foundation for an inclusive and prosperous nation, and asked God to turn the country's diversity into prosperity. Guests offered prayers for the President and the country.

Background

Tinubu travelled to Saudi Arabia on 29 October for the Umrah pilgrimage. The trip has been criticised by opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, who claimed it was a cover for travel to France, and activist Omoyele Sowore, who claimed it was for medical treatment. The Presidency has rejected both claims. It says the President is expected back in Nigeria this week.

How people reacted

Supporters shared photos of the dinner as evidence of the President's good health, while critics questioned the cost of taking a large delegation abroad.

Senator Ned Nwoko has made a public appeal for people to stop spreading false stories about his estranged wife, Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, including rumours that she has died.

What he said

In a statement on social media on Monday evening, 2 November 2026, Nwoko asked fans, bloggers and social media commentators to give Regina some breathing space. He said she had been through more than many people realise and that what she needs most now is love, support and the chance to recover. He said the appeal was also for the sake of their children, who he said are well cared for and deserve to see their mother supported. He added that whatever difficulties the marriage has faced, her well-being has always mattered to him, and that this was a time for compassion, not judgement.

Warning to rumour spreaders

Nwoko said he would not tolerate the deliberate spread of false information about Regina, especially made-up reports about her death, health or personal circumstances. He said his team was documenting such publications and that those responsible would be held to account through the proper legal channels.

Background

Regina Daniels and Nwoko married in 2019 and have two sons. Their marriage has been the subject of public disputes this year, and the two are now described as estranged. In a video shared on her recent birthday, the actress gave fans a glimpse of health challenges she has been facing, which Nwoko referred to in his statement. Since then, several unverified claims about her condition have spread online.

How people reacted

Many fans welcomed the statement and prayed for the actress's recovery, while others urged bloggers to be more careful with stories about people's health.