Ramadan: If I Have Sinned You, Forgive Me – President Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians for forgiveness while urging the nation to embrace peace, unity, and moral renewal as the holy month of Ramadan commences.

Speaking during the opening session of the 2026 Ramadan Tafsir at the State House Mosque in Abuja on Wednesday, the President emphasized the spiritual significance of the period, highlighting its teachings on sacrifice, discipline, prayer, and self-denial. He noted the unique coincidence of Ramadan overlapping with the Christian season of Lent, describing it as a powerful reminder of shared values across faiths that promote compassion, good neighborliness, and national solidarity.

“If I have sinned against you, forgive me,” Tinubu said in a heartfelt plea. “As Nigerians, we must learn to forgive and live in peace with one another.” The President framed his message around the core principles of Ramadan, calling on citizens to draw closer to God, do good to others, share love and faith, and forgive sins. He stressed that this sacred time offers an opportunity for reflection, ethical rejuvenation, and strengthening communal bonds amid ongoing challenges.

Tinubu also urged Nigerians of all religions to pray fervently for peace and to support efforts in combating terrorism, banditry, and insecurity plaguing the country. “We must use this period to promote unity, stability, and progress,” he added, encouraging acts of kindness that contribute to national development.

The President’s address has sparked varied reactions on social media, with many users sharing video clips of the moment and praising the call for harmony, while others engaged in light-hearted commentary typical of Nigerian online discourse. This comes as First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu similarly called on Christians and Muslims to pray for Nigeria’s peace and prosperity during the concurrent fasting seasons.

As Muslims across Nigeria begin their fast, Tinubu’s message aligns with broader efforts to foster interfaith dialogue and address socio-economic issues under his administration. The Tafsir event, attended by dignitaries and worshippers, underscores the government’s commitment to religious inclusivity and moral guidance in turbulent times.