…Former Vice-President questions President’s itinerary, raises concerns over reported France trip
NIGERIA: Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has challenged the Presidency to publish daily, date-stamped photographs and videos of President Bola Tinubu performing the rites of Umrah in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to substantiate the stated purpose of his trip.
Atiku alleged that intelligence available to him suggested that France, rather than Saudi Arabia, might be the President’s actual destination, raising questions about whether Tinubu would proceed to France after a brief appearance in Makkah.
The former Vice-President made the demand in a statement issued yesterday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC).
He called on the Presidency to release Tinubu’s complete travel itinerary and clarify the purpose of the trip, which was publicly presented as an opportunity for the President to pray for Nigeria.
Atiku also questioned whether the journey was connected to the President’s health and a reported $20 billion loan request involving a French business partner, urging the Presidency to address the issues raised.
He said the Presidency should provide clear, current and date-stamped photographs and videos showing Tinubu at the Kaaba and participating in the rites of Umrah each day of the pilgrimage.
According to him, such evidence would enable Nigerians to verify the President’s presence in Makkah and establish whether his actual engagements align with the stated purpose of the visit.
Atiku said he and other Nigerians would join the President in praying for the country’s peace, stability and progress.
He, however, cautioned against invoking the name of Almighty Allah in vain, insisting that a spiritual mission undertaken in the nation’s interest should be approached with sincerity and transparency.
The former Vice-President further argued that a presidential journey presented as a mission to seek divine intervention for Nigeria was a matter of public interest.
He maintained that Nigerians were entitled to know the President’s engagements during the trip and how the journey was being funded.
Atiku urged the Presidency to respond directly to the questions raised and provide verifiable evidence to address public concerns.
The allegations about Tinubu’s possible destination and the reported loan remain claims attributed to Atiku; the statement, as provided, does not independently establish them.
