Atiku Challenges Tinubu Over Mecca Trip, Demands Daily Photo, Video Proof

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to provide daily, verifiable photographic and video evidence of his presence in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during his announced Umrah pilgrimage, questioning whether the trip could include an unannounced visit to France.

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

The opposition leader alleged that information available to him suggested Tinubu might make a brief appearance in Makkah before travelling to France. However, he did not publicly provide evidence to substantiate the allegation.

Atiku called on the Presidency to release clear, current and date-stamped photographs and videos each day showing Tinubu at the Kaaba, the sacred structure at the centre of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, and participating in the religious rites associated with Umrah.

He argued that Nigerians deserved verifiable information about the President’s whereabouts, daily engagements and the purpose of the trip, particularly because the journey had been presented as an opportunity to pray for the country.

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Atiku also raised questions about the President’s health and a reported $20 billion loan request involving a French business partner, urging the Presidency to clarify the issues and disclose Tinubu’s full itinerary.

The former Vice-President said he and other Nigerians would join the President in praying for the country’s peace and progress. He, however, cautioned against invoking religion without sincerity.

“No one should invoke the name of Almighty Allah in vain,” Atiku said, according to the statement.

He maintained that a presidential trip presented as a spiritual mission for Nigeria was a matter of public interest, adding that citizens were entitled to know the President’s official engagements and how the journey was being funded.

The Presidency had earlier announced that Tinubu would depart Abuja on Thursday, October 29, for Makkah to perform Umrah, an Islamic pilgrimage that can be undertaken at any time of the year.

Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, said the visit would provide Tinubu with an opportunity for spiritual reflection, devotion and prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and progress.

According to the announcement, the President was expected to return to Nigeria the following week after completing the pilgrimage.

The Presidency’s announcement identified Makkah as the destination for the religious exercise. As of the latest reports, Atiku’s allegation of a possible onward journey to France had not been independently verified.

The dispute comes amid heightened political scrutiny as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general election, with opposition figures increasingly questioning the administration’s decisions, public spending and transparency.