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Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Bola Tinubu to release daily photographs and video footage of his activities in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, where he is scheduled to perform the Islamic pilgrimage of Umrah.
Atiku, in a statement issued on Wednesday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, questioned the President’s planned itinerary and demanded verifiable evidence of his participation in the religious rites.
The Presidency had announced that Tinubu would depart Abuja on Thursday for Makkah to pray for Nigeria and seek divine guidance. He is expected to return to the country next week.
According to a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the trip would provide Tinubu with an opportunity for spiritual reflection and prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and progress.
While in Makkah, the President is expected to perform the rites associated with Umrah, a pilgrimage to the holy city that can be undertaken at any time of the year.
However, Atiku alleged that intelligence available to him suggested that Tinubu might travel to France after making a brief appearance in Makkah.
He called on the Presidency to publish current, date-stamped photographs and videos showing the President at the Kaaba and participating in the pilgrimage.
“If President Tinubu is truly travelling to pray for Nigeria, the Presidency should release clear, current, date-stamped photographs and videos each day showing him at the Kaaba and participating in the rites of Umrah,” Atiku said.
The former Vice-President argued that Nigerians had a right to know the President’s itinerary and daily engagements, particularly because the trip had been presented as a spiritual mission for the country.
He also raised questions about Tinubu’s health and an alleged $20bn loan request involving a French business partner, urging the Presidency to address the issues and provide details of the trip.
Atiku said he and other Nigerians would join the President in praying for the country’s peace and progress, but insisted that the religious purpose of the visit should not be used to avoid public scrutiny.
“No one should invoke the name of Almighty Allah in vain,” he said.
Atiku further maintained that Nigerians were entitled to know the President’s daily engagements and how the trip was being funded.
Meanwhile, the Presidency said Tinubu would commission equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport before departing Abuja.
The President’s planned visit comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general election, with opposition figures continuing to question the administration’s policies and decisions.
