2 publishers · first seen Thu, 29 Oct 2026 02:18 UTC · updated Thu, 29 Oct 2026 13:38 UTC
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has demanded daily, date-stamped photographic and video evidence of President Bola Tinubu's presence in Makkah during his Umrah pilgrimage, alleging that intelligence suggests Tinubu may make only a brief appearance there before traveling to France. Atiku questioned the purpose of the trip, raising concerns about a reported $20 billion loan request involving a French business partner and the president's health, and called for transparency on the full itinerary and funding. He insisted that Nigerians deserve verifiable proof of Tinubu's activities, stating that a spiritual mission on behalf of the nation must be treated with seriousness and transparency.
The presidency confirmed Tinubu's departure for Makkah, saying he would perform Umrah to pray for Nigeria's peace, unity and progress, and would return next week. It stated that the visit would offer the president an opportunity for spiritual reflection and devotion. Atiku, through his spokesperson Phrank Shaibu of the African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council, maintained his call for evidence, warning against invoking the name of Almighty Allah in vain.
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