Former Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye, has challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to a Quranic recitation competition following the President’s recent Umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

Melaye issued the challenge in a post on his X handle on Monday, saying he was ready to engage the President in a competition involving Quranic citations upon his return from Saudi Arabia.

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.”

The challenge followed a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who shared details of Tinubu’s spiritual activities in Saudi Arabia, including his visit to the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah.

According to Onanuga, 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 said Tinubu expressed appreciation to the Saudi monarch and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the privilege, describing the experience as a historic and memorable spiritual encounter.

Speaking after the prayers, Tinubu said he had asked Almighty Allah for wisdom and resilience to continue leading the country.

He stated, “I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted.”

The President also cited Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26 of the Quran, which addresses Allah’s ultimate authority over power and sovereignty.

Reflecting on the verse, Tinubu said political authority was a responsibility entrusted to individuals by God and should be exercised with humility and in the interest of the people.

“There is no other God but Almighty Allah. He is the giver and the taker. He owns power and authority,” the President said.

Tinubu further reaffirmed his commitment to national development, expressing optimism about Nigeria’s economic recovery and pledging to prioritise investment in young people.

“My commitment to Project Nigeria is higher. I am determined to usher in prosperity and fully develop the country, consistent with the wish of Allah and the support of the people,” he said.

The President also emphasised the importance of preparing younger generations for the future, noting that leaders would be judged by the opportunities they created for them.

Among those who accompanied Tinubu on the spiritual visit were the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate; governors of Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara states, as well as business leaders.