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.