Dino Melaye challenges Tinubu to Quranic citation contest
Former Senator Challenges President Tinubu to Quranic Citation Contest
By Adegboyega Adeleye
Former Kogi West Senator and Allied Congress Party (ADC) Chieftain, Dino Melaye, has extended a challenge to President Bola Tinubu to engage in a Quranic citation contest. The challenge comes as Tinubu is currently in Saudi Arabia for Umrah, a lesser pilgrimage to Mecca.
Melaye announced his challenge on social media platform X on Monday, stating he is prepared to compete with Tinubu in citing passages from the Quran upon the President’s return to Nigeria. His post read, “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.”
This challenge coincides with heightened public interest in Tinubu’s spiritual activities during his pilgrimage in Makkah, where he performed Umrah and was granted the unique opportunity to pray inside the Holy Ka’abah.
Reports indicate that Tinubu arrived in Saudi Arabia on October 29, where he performed the religious rites at the Grand Mosque, Masjid al-Haram, the following day. He received the honor of entering the Ka’abah from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
According to the Presidency, Sheikh Dahlulah Muthawal of Masjid al-Haram led Tinubu into the sacred structure, where he prayed for gratitude and divine guidance for Nigeria. In a reflection on his spiritual experience, Tinubu stated he sought wisdom and resilience to continue serving the Nigerian populace.
During his time in Makkah, Tinubu referenced Surah Aal-Imran, Verse 26 of the Quran, emphasizing Allah’s supreme authority over power and governance. He highlighted, “There is no other God but Almighty Allah. He is the giver and the taker. He owns power and authority.”
The President reaffirmed his commitment to national development, stating that this pilgrimage had deepened his resolve to work towards a prosperous Nigeria.
Tinubu traveled to Saudi Arabia accompanied by a delegation that included the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate; and governors from several states, along with various officials and business leaders.
