Tinubu's Makkah Mission Under Scrutiny: Atiku Demands Proof of Umrah

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to depart Abuja for Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on Thursday to undertake Umrah, an Islamic spiritual exercise that entails a pilgrimage to the Holy City.

This information was officially communicated on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. Onanuga stated that this visit presents President Tinubu with a significant opportunity for spiritual reflection, devotion, and to offer “prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability, and continued progress.”

During his time in Makkah, the President is expected to fulfill the religious rites associated with Umrah, seeking Allah’s guidance and blessings for both Nigeria and its populace.

Prior to his departure from Abuja, President Tinubu is also slated to commission new equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force for its operations at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport. The President is anticipated to return to Nigeria next week.

However, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has cast doubt on the official narrative, accusing President Bola Tinubu of using his announced Umrah pilgrimage as a mere smokescreen or subterfuge.

Atiku, through a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, claimed that credible intelligence available to him indicates France as the President’s actual destination. He suggested there is reason to believe that President Tinubu might only make a brief appearance in Makkah before proceeding to France.

Atiku raised critical questions regarding the nature of the trip, specifically querying whether it is connected to the President’s health and a reported $20 billion loan request that allegedly involves a French business partner. He publicly called on the Presidency to address these significant concerns and to disclose the President’s full itinerary transparently.

Furthermore, Atiku challenged the Presidency, stating that if President Tinubu is genuinely traveling to pray for Nigeria, verifiable proof must be provided. He demanded the release of clear, current, date-stamped photographs and videos daily, showing the President at the Kaaba and actively participating in the rites of Umrah.

Emphasizing the importance of transparency, Atiku asserted that Nigerians deserve conclusive proof of the President’s presence in Makkah and a detailed, transparent account of his daily activities in the Holy Land.

He underscored that an official trip presented as a mission for Nigeria is fundamentally a matter of public interest, and as such, Nigerians are entitled to know the President’s daily engagements and the funding source for the trip. Atiku urged the Presidency to respond to these questions plainly and to furnish the evidence the country rightfully deserves.

While stating that he and other Nigerians would join President Tinubu in salat and prayers for the peace and progress of the country, Atiku cautioned against invoking the name of Almighty Allah in vain. He stressed that a spiritual mission undertaken on behalf of the nation must be treated with utmost seriousness and transparency.