⬆️Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
The APC National Stakeholders Media Support Group has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for politicising President Bola Tinubu’s planned Umrah pilgrimage to Makkah, describing the comments as unfortunate, insensitive and an unnecessary attack on a sacred act of worship.
In a statement issued on 28 October 2026 and signed by its Secretary and Convener, Dr Oladimeji Adams, the group responded to a press statement by Phrank Shaibu on behalf of Atiku. The group said while the opposition has the right to ask questions, the latest remarks crossed the line by dragging a personal religious journey into partisan politics.
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Atiku Demands Daily Photo and Video Proof of Tinubu’s Umrah Trip, Raises Possible France Destination https://theshieldonlineng.com/atiku-demands-daily-photo-and-video-proof-of-tinubus-umrah-trip-raises-possible-france-destination/
The APC stakeholders rejected claims that the Umrah was a “smokescreen” for a secret trip to France. They described the allegation as pure speculation without evidence, noting that President Tinubu has never hidden his foreign trips and that the Presidency routinely announces itineraries openly. “If he intends to visit France after Makkah, he will announce it,” the statement said. “There is no need for a smokescreen.”
The group also dismissed suggestions linking the pilgrimage to the President’s health or to a $20 billion and £1 billion borrowing request before the National Assembly. It clarified that the loan request is for infrastructure, power, rail, healthcare and security, and is sourced from Eurobonds, the World Bank, the African Development Bank and other multilateral institutions — with no secret French partner attached to the Umrah. On health, the group insisted Tinubu remains well, active and fully discharging his duties.
Particularly sharp criticism was reserved for the demand that the President release daily date-stamped photographs and videos from the Kaaba. The group described the request as disrespectful to both 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 statement read. It added that acts of worship in Islam are best performed quietly and without show, and that Tinubu, a long-time pilgrim, does not need to post selfies from the Kaaba to prove his faith.
On funding, the group stated that the trip is a personal spiritual journey financed from the President’s private resources, consistent with his practice over many years, including before he assumed office.
The statement appealed to Atiku and his media team to stop dragging sacred religious rites into politics. “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,” it said.
It concluded by urging that Tinubu be allowed to perform the Umrah in peace, after which robust political debates on the economy, loans and governance can continue. “Faith should unite us, not divide us.”