Give Nigerians daily photos, videos of yourself in Makkah, Atiku tackles Tinubu, says trip could end in France

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Bola Tinubu to provide daily photographic and video evidence of his planned Umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, alleging that the President could travel to France after making a brief appearance in Makkah.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the demand in a statement issued on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.

According to the statement, Atiku claimed that intelligence available to him raised questions about the President’s actual destination, suggesting that the announced religious trip could be a cover for a visit to France.

The allegation followed an announcement by the Presidency that Tinubu would depart Abuja on Thursday for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah and pray for Nigeria.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President was expected to use the pilgrimage for spiritual reflection and prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and continued progress.

The Presidency also said Tinubu would seek Allah’s guidance and blessings for the country and its people during the religious exercise.

Before departing Abuja, the President is scheduled to commission equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. He is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the pilgrimage.

However, Atiku questioned the circumstances surrounding the trip, alleging that Tinubu might visit Makkah briefly before proceeding to France.

He also raised questions about whether the proposed journey was connected to concerns about the President’s health and Nigeria’s reported request for a fresh $20 billion loan involving a French business partner.

Atiku consequently called on the Presidency to publish the President’s complete itinerary and provide verifiable evidence of his activities throughout the trip.

“If President Tinubu is truly travelling to pray for Nigeria, the Presidency should release clear, current and date-stamped photographs and videos each day showing him at the Kaaba and participating in the rites of Umrah,” Atiku said.

He maintained that Nigerians deserved verifiable evidence of the President’s presence in Makkah and a transparent account of his daily engagements while in Saudi Arabia.

The former Vice President added that he and other Nigerians would join Tinubu in offering prayers for the country’s peace and progress.

However, he cautioned against invoking the name of Allah in vain, arguing that a religious mission purportedly undertaken on behalf of the nation should be treated with seriousness and transparency.

Atiku further maintained that the President’s itinerary was a matter of public interest, insisting that Nigerians were entitled to know the purpose of his movements and how the trip was being funded.

He urged the Presidency to address the questions surrounding the planned journey and provide evidence to substantiate its account of the President’s whereabouts.

Meanwhile, a report by SaharaReporters said Tinubu was expected to embark on a six-day trip to Saudi Arabia, with his return scheduled for November 3.

The report also claimed that the President’s entourage would include five state governors, two ministers, the Chief of Staff to the President, the National Security Adviser and several prominent business figures.

The planned trip comes amid reports cited in the source concerning security threats in the region, including alleged Houthi attacks targeting airports and military installations in Saudi Arabia.

The report also linked the visit to the Saudi investment summit popularly known as “Davos in the Desert”, which it said had been cancelled the previous week over safety and security concerns.

The Presidency’s announced itinerary and Atiku’s allegations have therefore raised questions about the purpose and details of the President’s planned trip, although the claim that Tinubu intends to travel to France has not been independently established.

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