President Bola Ahmed Tinubu joined Muslim faithful for Eid Mubarak prayers at Dodan Barracks in Lagos State on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. The event brought together prominent political figures and worshippers to mark the Islamic celebration at the military facility.
Tinubu Attends Eid Prayer with APC Leaders
The President was seen at the gathering alongside former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola and the Lagos All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, among other party figures and worshippers. The Eid prayer session drew a large crowd of faithful who came together to observe the occasion.
Pictures and videos of the event were shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Dada Olusegun, the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media. The posts showed moments from the prayer ground, including the President's presence with other prominent attendees during the Eid observance.
This gathering adds to a series of public religious engagements involving top political leaders in Nigeria during major Islamic celebrations.
Countries Without Official Eid Public Holidays
In a related development, reports indicate that the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and several other countries do not officially recognize Eid-el-Adha and Eid-el-Fitr as national public holidays, despite having significant Muslim populations. Muslims in these countries still celebrate Eid through mosque prayers, charitable activities, family gatherings, and community events, even without formal recognition on official national holiday calendars. Countries listed include Canada, Australia, Russia, Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, Italy, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, where Eid celebrations continue to reflect cultural identity, religious devotion, and community unity among Muslim residents.
Pakistan Declares Three-Day Eid Public Holiday
Earlier, Pakistan's federal government approved a three-day public holiday from May 26 to May 28 for Eid Al-Adha celebrations across the country. Authorities stated that government offices, schools, and businesses observing public holidays would remain closed during the period, following approval by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and confirmation from the Cabinet Division. The announcement came amid rising inflation in Pakistan, with prices of sacrificial animals, transportation, and food items increasing sharply ahead of Eid celebrations.
Fashola Opens Up on Religious Journey
In another development, former Lagos Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola spoke about his transition to Islam and addressed public reactions surrounding his interfaith marriage to his wife, Abimbola Fashola, in a trending interview. Fashola, who explained that he was raised in a Christian environment by his mother and maternal grandparents, revealed that he attended church services in Ebute Metta before later embracing Islam during his life journey. The former minister emphasized the importance of mutual respect and understanding in interfaith relationships. According to the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, religious labels like 'unbeliever' are relative depending on the perspective of different faiths and beliefs.
