Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed suspicion over President Bola Tinubu’s announced Umrah pilgrimage, demanding daily photographic and video evidence of the President’s presence in Makkah amid allegations that he may travel to France.
Atiku’s position was contained in a statement dated Wednesday, October 28, 2026, and signed by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council.
According to the statement, Atiku alleged that credible intelligence available to him suggested that France, rather than Saudi Arabia, might be Tinubu’s actual destination. He raised the possibility that the President could make a brief appearance in Makkah before proceeding to France.
The former Vice President also questioned whether the trip was connected to Tinubu’s health and a reported $20 billion loan request involving a French business partner. He called on the Presidency to address the concerns and disclose the President’s complete itinerary.
Atiku demanded that the Presidency release clear, current and date-stamped photographs and videos every day, showing Tinubu at the Kaaba and participating in the rites of Umrah.
He argued that Nigerians deserved verifiable proof of the President’s presence in Makkah, as well as a transparent account of his daily activities during the pilgrimage.
Despite his reservations, Atiku said he and other Nigerians would join the President in offering prayers for the peace and progress of the country. He cautioned, however, that no one should invoke the name of Almighty Allah in vain.
According to him, a spiritual journey undertaken in the name of Nigeria must be treated with seriousness and transparency, particularly when the trip is presented as a mission on behalf of the country.
Atiku further maintained that the President’s itinerary and the funding of the trip were matters of public interest, insisting that Nigerians were entitled to know the President’s daily engagements and how the journey was being financed.
He urged the Presidency to respond plainly to the questions raised and provide what he described as the evidence Nigerians deserved.
