Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to provide daily, verifiable evidence of his presence in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, where he is scheduled to perform the Islamic pilgrimage known as Umrah.
Atiku alleged that the planned pilgrimage could be a cover for a possible trip to France, insisting that Nigerians deserve transparency regarding the president’s actual destination, itinerary and official engagements.
The former vice president made the demand in a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council.
According to the statement, Atiku said information available to him suggested that Tinubu might make only a brief appearance in Makkah before travelling to France. However, he did not provide publicly verifiable evidence to substantiate the allegation in the statement.
Atiku called on the Presidency to release current, date-stamped photographs and videos daily showing Tinubu at the Kaaba and participating in the religious rites associated with Umrah.
“Nigerians deserve verifiable proof of the President’s presence in Makkah and a transparent account of his daily activities in the Holy Land,” he said.
The former vice president also questioned whether the trip had any connection to the president’s health or a reported $20 billion loan request involving a French business partner. He urged the Presidency to clarify the concerns and disclose Tinubu’s complete travel itinerary.
Atiku further demanded an explanation of how the trip was being funded, arguing that Nigerians were entitled to know the president’s whereabouts and activities while he was outside the country.
Despite his criticism, the former vice president said he and other Nigerians would join Tinubu in praying for the nation’s peace and progress.
He, however, cautioned against using religion without sincerity, stressing the importance of transparency in a spiritual undertaking reportedly being carried out on behalf of the country.
“No one should invoke the name of Almighty Allah in vain,” Atiku said.
The controversy comes as Tinubu prepares to travel to Makkah for Umrah, with the Presidency indicating that he is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the religious exercise.
The Presidency’s response to Atiku’s demand for daily photographic and video evidence was not included in the statement.
