Kenneth Okonkwo, a veteran Nollywood actor, lawyer and spokesperson for African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his planned trip to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to pray for Nigeria.
Okonkwo questioned the rationale behind the planned pilgrimage, alleging that the president was using religion to conceal the actual reason for his absence from official duties. He also expressed concern about Tinubu’s health, although he provided no evidence to substantiate his claim that the president was unwell. How to make a woman wet instantly – Watch full video
In a statement reacting to the planned trip, Okonkwo said: “Tinubu going to Makkah to pray for Nigeria when he could not pray for himself is really taking the name of God in vain. Must you deceive even with the name of God?”
The ADC spokesperson acknowledged that the president was human and could require prayers, but argued that questions surrounding his health and reported absence from official engagements could make it more difficult for Nigerians to accept the explanation for the trip.
“We understand that the President is human and everyone is willing to pray for him, but praying for him would be more challenging if he keeps masking the reason he stays away from duty,” he added.
To support his argument, Okonkwo referenced the late former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, recalling that Yar’Adua left a campaign ground for a medical check-up in Germany when he was reportedly unwell.
According to Okonkwo, Yar’Adua did not need to invoke religion to explain his departure, adding that he believed Tinubu was leaving campaign activities because of health concerns. However, this assertion was Okonkwo’s allegation and was not supported by independent evidence in the statement.
He subsequently prayed for the president’s recovery but urged him to consider stepping aside from office.
“May God heal him, and above all press it on his mind to honourably step aside and allow God to heal Nigeria,” Okonkwo said.
His remarks come amid political controversy surrounding Tinubu’s announced plan to travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and pray for the country. Opposition figures have questioned the purpose and transparency of the trip, while raising concerns about the president’s health and official engagements.
Okonkwo’s comments have added to the political debate over the planned pilgrimage, with the ADC spokesperson challenging the president’s explanation for the journey and calling for greater transparency regarding his absence from official duties.