President Bola Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians for forgiveness over any perceived wrongs, calling for national unity and reconciliation as Muslims commence the holy month of Ramadan.

The President made the appeal on Wednesday during a Ramadan Tafsir at the State House Mosque in Abuja, where he emphasized the spiritual significance of the fasting period and its message of compassion, humility, and moral renewal.

Addressing worshippers, Tinubu said Ramadan provides a unique opportunity for reflection and self-assessment, urging citizens to embrace peace and harmony across religious and ethnic divides.

“We start this Ramadan knowing the teachings it brings to all of us. This is to get closer to God, to do good to people, to share love and faith, and to forgive sins,” he stated.

In a moment that drew attention, the president added, “If I have sinned against you, forgive me. As Nigerians, we must learn to forgive and live in peace with one another.”

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Tinubu’s Ramadan Message Resonates Nationwide

Tinubu’s remarks come at a time when the country faces economic and political challenges, with many citizens calling for stronger national cohesion. His appeal for forgiveness and unity underscores the administration’s effort to foster reconciliation amid diverse public opinions.

The president stressed that Ramadan should inspire acts of kindness and collective responsibility, noting that spiritual growth must translate into positive action that strengthens society.

According to him, the holy month is not only about abstaining from food and drink but also about purifying the heart and renewing commitment to shared values that promote peace and development.

He urged Nigerians to use the season as a foundation for rebuilding trust and deepening solidarity across communities. “Ramadan offers us the chance to return to values that bind us together as one people,” he said.

Political observers have noted that public gestures of humility during religious observances often serve to reinforce messages of inclusiveness and bridge divides in a pluralistic society like Nigeria.

Osuntokun Speaks on El-Rufai, Ribadu Rift

Meanwhile, fresh political commentary has emerged regarding a longstanding rivalry between Nasir El-Rufai and Nuhu Ribadu.

Akin Osuntokun, former Director-General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, claimed that the rift was intensified by Tinubu’s decision to back Ribadu ahead of the 2011 presidential election.

Speaking during an interview on ARISE News, Osuntokun traced the origins of the disagreement to the closing years of the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo, when political alliances were being reshaped across party lines.

However, he argued that the decisive turning point came during preparations for the 2011 election, when Tinubu, having completed his tenure as Lagos State governor, reportedly sought to support a younger northern presidential aspirant.

According to Osuntokun, a public opinion poll commissioned at the time favored Ribadu, a development that allegedly deepened tensions between the two political figures.

The comments have revived discussions about historical political rivalries and their lingering impact on Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

As Ramadan progresses, Tinubu’s message of forgiveness and unity continues to resonate, with many citizens hoping the spirit of the season will inspire renewed cooperation across political and social divides.