EDITORIAL: Journey to Makkah — Tinubu Should Pray for Credible Elections, Affordable Fuel and National Unity

By Tony Okafor

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s planned journey to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah presents an opportunity for profound spiritual reflection and intercession for Nigeria.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, dated October 28, 2026, the President will seek Allah’s guidance and blessings for the country’s peace, unity, stability and progress.

As the President prepares for this spiritual exercise, we respectfully suggest three specific prayer points that could transform the lives of millions of Nigerians.

First, he should pray for free, fair and credible elections in 2027. Nigeria’s democracy needs divine intervention, but it equally requires responsible leadership and strong institutions. The forthcoming general elections must reflect the genuine wishes of the electorate, not the preferences of political officeholders.

Free and fair elections demand transparent accreditation and voting, accurate transmission and collation of results, impartial security agencies, independent electoral officials, equal opportunity for all contestants and prompt resolution of disputes.

The technical glitches and controversies that marred the 2023 presidential election, particularly concerns surrounding the electronic transmission of results, must not recur. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must demonstrate preparedness, transparency and competence.

No Nigerian should be disenfranchised and no candidate should win through manipulation. The President’s greatest prayer should be for an election whose outcome all Nigerians can trust.

Second, he should pray for relief from the crushing cost of petrol.

The removal of fuel subsidy has imposed enormous economic pressure on households and businesses. Transport fares, food prices and the cost of essential services have risen far beyond the reach of many citizens.

While the government may defend subsidy removal on economic grounds, the resulting hardship cannot be ignored.

We urge the President to pray for the restoration of affordable petrol, ideally close to the price levels Nigerians enjoyed before subsidy removal. This does not necessarily require an indiscriminate return to an unsustainable subsidy regime. Rather, it requires the wisdom to explore credible alternative measures that genuinely reduce pump prices and ease the burden on citizens.

Third, he should pray for an end to perceived tribalism in political appointments. Nigeria cannot achieve true unity when appointments to public offices appear to disproportionately favour particular ethnic groups. Competence, integrity, federal character and fairness must guide all appointments.

Every Nigerian, regardless of ethnicity, religion or state of origin, deserves a fair opportunity to serve the country.

As President Tinubu supplicates before Allah in Makkah, millions of Nigerians will hope that his prayers translate into tangible actions: credible elections, economic relief and a government that treats every citizen equitably.

May Nigeria receive not merely prayers for progress, but the courageous leadership decisions that make progress possible.