Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu of using his announced Umrah pilgrimage as a cover or diversion. He stated that credible intelligence available to him indicates France as the President’s actual destination.
In a statement issued on 28 October 2026 by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku said there was reason to believe President Tinubu might make only a brief appearance in Makkah before proceeding to France.
He also raised questions about whether the trip is connected to the President’s health and a reported twenty billion dollar loan request involving a French business partner. Atiku called on the Presidency to address these concerns and disclose the President’s full itinerary.
Atiku said that if President Tinubu is truly travelling to pray for Nigeria, the Presidency should release clear, current photographs and videos each day showing him at the Kaaba and participating in the rites of Umrah. He added that the images and videos should carry the date. Nigerians, he said, deserve verifiable proof of the President’s presence in Makkah and a transparent account of his daily activities in the Holy Land.
Atiku said he and other Nigerians would join President Tinubu in prayers for the peace and progress of the country. He cautioned that no one should invoke the name of Almighty Allah in vain, adding that a spiritual mission undertaken on behalf of the nation must be treated with seriousness and transparency.
He said an official trip presented as a mission for Nigeria is a matter of public interest. Nigerians are entitled to know the President’s daily engagements and how the trip is being funded. He urged the Presidency to answer these questions plainly and provide the evidence the country deserves.
By John James
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