Unclear Holy Land Trip
OpenLife News reports that Vice President Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Bola Tinubu to provide daily proof of his presence in Makkah for Umrah, alleging that the planned pilgrimage could be a smokescreen for a trip to France.
Atiku said President Tinubu should not invoke Allah’s name in vain over an unclear Holy Land trip.
This followed a statement issued on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, that the President will depart Abuja on Thursday for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah.
According to the statement, the visit will provide the President an opportunity for spiritual reflection and prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and continued progress.
“While in Makkah, Tinubu is expected to perform the religious rites associated with Umrah and seek Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its people,” Onanuga said.
He added that Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the spiritual exercise, according to the statement dated October 28, 2026.
Reacting, Atiku said Nigerians deserved to know the President’s actual destination, daily engagements and the purpose of the trip, raising questions about a reported $20 billion loan request involving a French business partner.
In a statement by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku said intelligence available to him suggested that Tinubu might make only a brief appearance in Makkah before proceeding to France.
He called on the Presidency to release clear, current and date-stamped photographs and videos each day showing Tinubu at the Kaaba and performing the rites of Umrah.
“Nigerians deserve verifiable proof of the President’s presence in Makkah and a transparent account of his daily activities in the Holy Land,” Atiku said.
Atiku also questioned whether the trip was connected to the President’s health and the reported $20 billion loan request, urging the Presidency to address the concerns and disclose the full itinerary.
The former vice president said he and other Nigerians would join Tinubu in prayers for the country’s peace and progress, but warned against invoking religion without sincerity.
“No one should invoke the name of Almighty Allah in vain,” he said, insisting that a spiritual mission undertaken on behalf of the nation must be treated with seriousness and transparency.
He maintained that Nigerians were entitled to know how the trip was being funded and demanded verifiable evidence of the President’s whereabouts and activities.
Arising Questions
Q1: Why did Atiku challenge Tinubu’s Makkah trip?
A: Atiku said Nigerians deserve to know Tinubu’s actual destination and alleged intelligence suggests Tinubu may make brief appearance in Makkah before proceeding to France.
Q2: What did Atiku demand from Tinubu?
A: Atiku demanded the Presidency release clear, current and date-stamped photographs and videos each day showing Tinubu at the Kaaba performing Umrah rites.
Q3: When is Tinubu travelling to Makkah?
A: According to Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu will depart Abuja on Thursday, October 2026 for Makkah to perform Umrah and return next week.
Q4: What is the $20bn loan allegation?
A: Atiku raised questions about a reported $20 billion loan request involving a French business partner allegedly linked to the trip.
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