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President Bola Tinubu joined Muslims in Lagos to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, using his first major Islamic festival as president to connect with devoted supporters in his longtime political base.
Marking his first Eid-el-Kabir as Nigeria's president, Bola Tinubu joined Muslim faithful in celebrating the important Islamic festival at the Dodan Barracks mosque in his longtime political stronghold of Lagos.
Flanked by top government officials including his chief of staff Femi Gbajabiamila and the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Tinubu's appearance at the iconic military mosque reinforced his identity as a devout Muslim leader hailing from the nation's Muslim-majority southwest.
In his Eid remarks, the president called on Nigerians to reflect on the occasion's essence of sacrifice, obedience, and unity. "The sacrifices and great expectations of citizens will not come to nought," Tinubu affirmed, promising positive economic outcomes under his new administration.
The celebratory visit allowed Tinubu to connect with his devoted base while tending to his religious roots. It also underscored the symbolic importance of Lagos in the former governor's political journey and trajectory as president.
"Celebrating Eid in Lagos sends a powerful signal about Tinubu's priorities in terms of his support base and perceived obligations," said political analyst Adelana Ademola. "While the federal capital typically hosts such events, he's clearly invested in reinforcing his Lagos ties."
The decision to mark his first major Islamic festival as president in his hometown rather than making it a national capital affair offers insights into Tinubu's strategy of keeping a foot firmly planted in his southwestern stronghold.
