The APC National Stakeholders Media Support Group has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his demand for daily photographic and video evidence of President Bola Tinubu’s planned Umrah pilgrimage to Makkah, describing the request as an attempt to politicise a religious exercise.
Atiku’s position, conveyed in a statement issued on Wednesday, October 28, by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, questioned the President’s declared destination, itinerary and the circumstances surrounding the trip.
Atiku alleged that information available to him suggested Tinubu might use the announced pilgrimage as a “smokescreen or subterfuge” for a possible visit to France after a brief appearance in Makkah.
The former vice president called on the Presidency to release clear, current and date-stamped photographs and videos each day showing Tinubu at the Kaaba and participating in 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, according to reports quoting his statement.
He also questioned whether the trip had any connection with the President’s health and a reported external borrowing request involving a French business partner. Atiku urged the Presidency to disclose Tinubu’s full itinerary, daily engagements and how the journey was being funded.
Reacting in a statement dated October 28 and signed by its Secretary and Convener, Dr Oladimeji Adams, the APC National Stakeholders Media Support Group accused Atiku and his media team of unnecessarily introducing partisan politics into a religious undertaking.
The group argued that although opposition figures have the right to question government decisions, the demand for daily photographs and videos from the holy site was disrespectful to the President and the Islamic faith.
“Umrah is an act of Ibadah between a worshipper and Almighty Allah. It is not a reality show that requires daily photo proof to satisfy political opponents,” the group said.
It also rejected the suggestion that the pilgrimage could be a cover for a visit to France, describing the claim as speculation without supporting evidence. The group maintained that the Presidency routinely announces the President’s foreign engagements and would disclose any additional destination if necessary.
On the reported borrowing request, the APC group said the funds were intended for infrastructure, power, rail, healthcare and security projects and were expected from Eurobonds, the World Bank, the African Development Bank and other multilateral institutions. It rejected the suggestion that a secret French arrangement was connected to the pilgrimage.
The group further maintained that Tinubu remained active and capable of discharging his official responsibilities, dismissing the questions raised about his health.
Regarding the funding of the journey, the group said the trip was a personal spiritual undertaking financed from the President’s private resources, consistent with his practice over the years.
Atiku Says Presidential Travel Warrants Public Scrutiny
Atiku, in his statement, argued that a foreign trip presented as a spiritual mission undertaken on behalf of Nigeria was a matter of public interest. He maintained that Nigerians were entitled to know the President’s whereabouts, daily engagements and the arrangements for financing the journey.
He also said he and other Nigerians would join the President in prayers for the country’s peace and progress, while cautioning against invoking the name of Allah without sincerity.
“No one should invoke the name of Almighty Allah in vain,” Atiku said.
The former vice president called on the Presidency to address the questions directly and provide what he described as the evidence Nigerians deserved.
The APC group, however, appealed to Atiku and his media team to avoid turning religious observances into political controversies. It said national leaders should be encouraged to pray for the country regardless of their political affiliations.
“Nigeria needs prayers from Makkah, prayers from Jerusalem, prayers from everywhere. When a leader goes to pray for the country, we should support him, regardless of party,” the group said.
It urged the President to be allowed to complete the pilgrimage peacefully, arguing that political debate over the economy, borrowing and governance could continue afterwards.
“Faith should unite us, not divide us,” the statement concluded.