Don’t allow opponents discredit Tinubu’s commitment to pilgrims’ welfare, group tells Hajj Board chairs

A group, Arewa Assembly for Tinubu (AAT), a coalition of northern stakeholders committed to supporting President Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, has expressed concern over recent public comments credited to the chairman of the Association of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards. DCL, a Hausa speaking online media platform, had reported the Executive Secretary of Nasarawa Pilgrims […]

A group, Arewa Assembly for Tinubu (AAT), a coalition of northern stakeholders committed to supporting President Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, has expressed concern over recent public comments credited to the chairman of the Association of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards.

DCL, a Hausa speaking online media platform, had reported the Executive Secretary of Nasarawa Pilgrims Board Alhaji Ahmed Idris Al-Makura, who doubles as the chairman  of the Forum of States Executive Secretaries and Executive Secretary of Kebbi pilgrims’, Alh Faruk Aliyu Yaro as saying that Nigeria’s Hajj Commission (NAHCON) should delay the 2026 Hajj preparation and registration until the commission submits the 2025 hajj report.

In a statement on Tuesday, the chairman of the group, Malam Sani Abdullahi, said Alhaji Ahmed Idris Al-Makura, could be exploited by the opposition to discredit President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration.

Abdullahi called on Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa state and Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi state to call Alhaji Ahmed Idris Al-Makura and Alh Faruk Aliyu Yaro to order, warning against actions are capable of tarnish the image of the states and that of the federal government.

• The Luxury Trap: Why Buying ‘Quality’ Sometimes Wastes More Money
• Egypt-Nigeria educational fair opens in Abuja

Abdullahi said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently demonstrated respect for religious rights for Nigerians.

He said the president is making interventions to ease hajj processes as demonstrated during the 2025 hajj operation.

Malam Sani Abdullahi said, “Actions that may create unnecessary tension as preparations for the 2026 hajj begins are uncalled for.

“While accountability and transparency in Hajj operations are important, the tone and timing of the statement alleged to have been signed by the chairman of the Association of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Alhaji Ahmed Idris Al-Makura and the secretary, Alh. Faruk Aliyu yaro could be exploited by opponents to discredit the Tinubu administration’s commitment to religious obligations and pilgrims’ welfare.

“We urge His Excellency, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa state and Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi state under whose jurisdiction Idris Al-Makura and Alh. Faruk Aliyu yaro came, to engage with them and ensure that future communications from the association are properly channeled and do not inadvertently undermine public confidence in NAHCON or the Tinubu demonstration.

“As we approach the 2027 elections, every stakeholder must avoid statements as a vote of no-confidence in the administration. Constructive engagement and discreet resolution of the operational issues are the way forward.

However, the group reaffirmed its confidence in NAHCON leadership and urged all the parties to work in harmony to deliver a smooth and affordable Hajj for Nigerian pilgrims.