President Bola Tinubu has concluded his five-day visit to Saudi Arabia, where he performed Umrah, the lesser Hajj, and prayed for Nigeria’s peace, unity and prosperity.

The President disclosed this on his verified X handle, @OfficialPBAT, on Monday, saying he used the opportunity to pray for the nation and its citizens.

Tinubu stated in a four-paragraph post: “I have concluded my visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where, together with members of my delegation, I had the rare honour of entering the Holy Kaaba to pray, and of performing Umrah.

“I am deeply grateful to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud @KingSalman, and to Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for extending this privilege to us, and for their gracious hospitality and brotherly care.

“It reflects the enduring bonds of faith and friendship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

“In those sacred moments, I prayed for peace, unity and prosperity for our dear nation and for all Nigerians.”

The President arrived in Saudi Arabia last Thursday night through the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, where he was received by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and Saudi Arabia’s Head of Royal Protocol, Ahmad bin Thafir.

Tinubu’s visit to Makkah focused on performing the religious rites associated with Umrah and offering prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and continued progress.

The President is expected to return to Nigeria this week following the completion of the spiritual exercise. (AriseNews TV)

President Bola Tinubu has said that political power belongs to Allah, who has the authority to give it to anyone and take it away, declaring that those entrusted with leadership must exercise it in accordance with God’s dictates.

Tinubu made the remarks while reflecting on his recent Umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, where he was granted access to enter and pray inside the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah.

The President said his emergence as Nigeria’s leader was an extraordinary blessing from Allah, adding that he recognised that his position as President and Commander-in-Chief was not something he could claim to have attained solely through human effort.

Speaking about his understanding of divine authority, Tinubu said Allah was the ultimate giver and taker of power and that anyone who received such a privilege must use it responsibly.

“There is no other God but Almighty Allah. He is the giver and the taker. He owns power and authority. He says, ‘If I give you, use it well. If you don’t use it in accordance with my dictates, I can take it from you and give it to another person. I am the only One who has that authority,” Tinubu said.

He described his emergence as President as a special favour from God, given the large number of people in the country.

“Out of many millions of people, to be the President and Commander-in-Chief is a favour that only Almighty God can do to a human being,” he said.

The President also expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for granting him and members of his delegation access to the Ka’abah, describing the experience as historic.

He said the green-white-green colours on the fencing around the Ka’abah reminded him of Nigeria’s national identity.

“I want to say a big thank you for the faith, for the recognition. I can’t believe the fencing of the Ka’abah is in Green-White-Green, which reminds us of the Nigerian identity,” he said.

“I thank the Crown Prince and all the administrators of the holy land. I thank them for the hospitality and recognition given to me as the leader of the delegation and the country.

“We are all facing challenges and hostility around us. We will overcome them with faith in God Almighty. I’m grateful forever. I thank the King and the royal Crown Prince.”

Tinubu was accompanied on the pilgrimage by several members of his cabinet, governors and business leaders.

Those in the delegation included Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate; and governors from Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara states.

Business leaders accompanying him included BUA Group Chairman, Abdulsamad Isiaka Rabiu, and Oando Chief Executive Officer, Wale Tinubu.

The President’s remarks come amid his administration’s continued efforts to defend its policies and record in office.

…Highlights civic engagement, women’s empowerment, financial transparency and democratic development

OK Movement USA has reaffirmed its organisational independence and clarified its relationship with the broader OK Movement in Nigeria, stressing that cooperation between the two organisations does not automatically imply common financial control, candidate authorisation or a direct political-party relationship.

The organisation made this clarification in a press statement issued in Washington, D.C., on November 1, 2026, in which it outlined its identity, operational structure and commitment to democratic development, civic participation, good governance and community development.

According to the statement, OK Movement USA is a registered nonprofit organisation in the United States established to promote civic engagement, democratic values, responsible public participation and the welfare of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.

The organisation explained that it operates with its own leadership, governance structure, operational responsibilities and institutional objectives.

It stressed that although it shares aspirations for a better Nigeria with the broader movement in the country, its organisational identity and responsibilities remain distinct.

Recognition of OK Movement Nigeria’s Grassroots Network

OK Movement USA acknowledged the grassroots organisational efforts of OK Movement Nigeria, noting that its network of coordinators, zonal leaders, state women leaders, volunteers and community representatives extends across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The statement also highlighted the movement’s presence at the local government, ward and polling-unit levels, describing the structures as a valuable platform for promoting civic education, public enlightenment and constructive democratic engagement.

The US-based organisation said cooperation between the two structures could support initiatives aimed at strengthening public participation and raising awareness of democratic responsibilities across Nigeria.

However, it maintained that such cooperation should not be interpreted as establishing common financial control or automatically authorising either organisation to act on behalf of the other.

Addresses National Political Developments

The organisation also acknowledged the growing national conversation surrounding former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and the wider aspirations of Nigerians seeking responsible leadership and democratic progress.

It said its engagement with these national aspirations was informed by its commitment to democratic values, accountable leadership, public transparency, economic opportunity and the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.

The statement did not establish any formal endorsement of a political candidate or party.

OK Movement USA further emphasised that its activities and financial decisions are governed by internal procedures and applicable legal requirements.

It said the organisation remained committed to lawful cooperation with grassroots structures in Nigeria on initiatives promoting good governance, civic awareness and responsible democratic participation.

Identifies Civic Education, Accountability as Priorities

Outlining its areas of focus, OK Movement USA said it would continue to promote awareness of democratic rights, civic responsibilities and electoral processes.

It also identified informed public dialogue, government accountability, lawful voter sensitisation, transparency and peaceful participation as important components of its work.

According to the statement, the organisation intends to support initiatives that strengthen public confidence in democratic processes and encourage citizens to participate responsibly in national development.

It added that its activities would be implemented in accordance with applicable laws, regulatory requirements and organisational policies.

Prioritises Women’s Empowerment, Youth Development

The organisation identified women’s empowerment, youth development, healthcare awareness, education and support for vulnerable communities among its principal areas of interest.

It said its ongoing Women Affairs Podcast Series was designed to amplify women’s voices and provide a platform for discussions involving professionals, community leaders and Nigerians in the diaspora.

The programme focuses on issues including healthcare, girl-child education, women’s empowerment, civic awareness and national development.

OK Movement USA also expressed its intention to encourage support for women-focused initiatives across Nigeria, including healthcare interventions, educational opportunities, community empowerment and good governance.

The organisation said it would provide lawful educational, organisational and logistical support for approved civic initiatives while building stronger connections between Nigerians abroad and communities at home.

Pledges Financial Transparency, Legal Compliance

On funding and financial management, OK Movement USA said it recognised the importance of responsible fundraising, transparency, proper documentation and compliance with applicable laws in the jurisdictions where it operates.

It explained that funds independently raised by the organisation were intended to support duly authorised and legally permissible initiatives, including civic education, community engagement, women’s empowerment, public enlightenment and other approved development programmes.

The organisation pledged to maintain appropriate financial oversight, responsible disbursement procedures, accurate recordkeeping and accountability to supporters and relevant regulatory authorities.

It further stated that cross-border financial support and operational collaboration would be subject to applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

The statement specifically highlighted the need to distinguish lawful civic initiatives from regulated political campaign financing.

Calls for Greater Diaspora Participation in Nigeria’s Development

OK Movement USA called on Nigerians in the diaspora to play a more active role in addressing the country’s challenges and supporting sustainable development.

It noted that Nigerians living abroad possess professional expertise, knowledge, financial resources and experience that could contribute positively to national development.

The organisation said diaspora communities should go beyond observing developments in Nigeria from a distance and become responsible participants in efforts to promote meaningful progress.

It reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening civic consciousness, building bridges between Nigerians at home and abroad, encouraging responsible public participation and supporting initiatives centred on citizens’ welfare.

According to the statement, meaningful change requires informed citizenship, institutional accountability, constructive cooperation and a shared commitment to building a better society.

The statement was signed by Patrick Esoro, Coordinator of OK Movement USA, and Victor Ben Onyeka, Director of Media and Communications.

The organisation provided its website as www.okmovementusa.org and listed secretariat@okmovementusa.org as its official email address.