Former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye has challenged President Bola Tinubu to a Quranic citation competition after his Umrah trip to Saudi Arabia.
Dino Melaye declared that he was ready to compete with the president, adding that nobody could mock God.
His challenge followed reports of Tinubu leading prayers inside the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah, sparking attention over the president’s religious activities.
Dino Melaye challenges Tinubu over Quranic knowledge
Former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye has thrown a challenge at President Bola Tinubu, asking him to participate in a Quranic citation competition after returning from Saudi Arabia.
Melaye made the challenge in a post on his X account on Monday, following reports of the president’s spiritual activities during his lesser Hajj, also known as Umrah.
The former senator said he was prepared to test his knowledge of Quranic citations against Tinubu after the president completed his religious visit.
He wrote:
“Now that Alhaji Bola Tinubu is in Umrah. Immediately he comes back, I challenge him to a Quranic citation competition with me. No one can mock God. SDM.
Why Dino Melaye challenged Tinubu after Umrah
The challenge came after presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga shared details of Tinubu’s activities in Saudi Arabia, including his visit to the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah.
Onanuga disclosed that Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud granted Tinubu the privilege of leading Nigeria’s delegation in prayers inside the sacred structure.
The presidential spokesman added that Tinubu appreciated the Saudi monarch and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the opportunity, describing the experience as a memorable spiritual encounter.
During the visit, Tinubu also spoke about the prayers he offered for Nigeria and his responsibilities as president.
The president said he asked Allah for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians.
He stated:
“I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted.”
What Tinubu said about power and Nigeria’s future
Tinubu also referenced Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26, which addresses Allah’s authority over power and sovereignty.
He maintained that political power comes from God and should be handled with humility and concern for the people.
The president further expressed his determination to improve Nigeria’s economy, promote prosperity and invest in young people.
Among the government officials who accompanied him were Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, Health Minister Ali Pate and governors from Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara states.
Meanwhile, The President said he prayed for wisdom and resilience to serve Nigerians, described the economy as having emerged from a difficult period and promised to strengthen investment in young people.
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to building a prosperous Nigeria, saying his resolve to serve the country has strengthened after he performed Umrah in Saudi Arabia and received permission to pray inside the Holy Ka’abah.
The President also expressed confidence in his administration’s economic policies, describing the country’s economic foundation as solid, while promising to invest more in young Nigerians and create opportunities for future generations
Mr Tinubu made the remarks on Monday, 2 November 2026, while reflecting on his spiritual visit to Makkah, according to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.
The statement said King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman granted the President and members of his Nigerian delegation access to the Ka’abah, Islam’s most sacred structure.
The visit provided the President with an opportunity to reflect on his leadership and pray for the country. He said he asked Allah for the wisdom and resilience needed to continue serving Nigerians. Continue reading here.
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