Atiku Demands Daily Proof Of Tinubu’s Presence In Mecca

…Warns Tinubu Against Invoking Allah’s Name In Vain

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has demanded daily photographic and video evidence of President Bola Tinubu’s participation in this year’s pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

This came hours after the presidency announced Tinubu’s plans to depart Nigeria on Thursday for Mecca.

Atiku claimed President Tinubu might use the pilgrimage as a cover visit to France.

Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, said information available to Atiku suggests that France could be the president’s actual destination.

He alleged that Tinubu might make only a brief appearance in Mecca before travelling to France.

Atiku also asked whether the planned trip is connected to the president’s health and a reported $20bn loan request involving a French business partner.

He called on the presidency to disclose Tinubu’s full itinerary and respond to his posers.

The former VP further urged the presidency to release date-stamped photographs and videos daily showing Tinubu at the Kaaba and performing the Umrah rites.

Atiku said Nigerians were entitled to verifiable evidence of the president’s presence in Mecca and his activities during the trip.

He said he and other Nigerians would join Tinubu in praying for the country’s peace and progress.

He, however, warned that “no one should invoke the name of Almighty Allah in vain.”

Atiku stressed that a spiritual mission undertaken on behalf of the country required seriousness and transparency.

According to the presidency’s earlier announcement, Tinubu will travel to Mecca on Thursday to pray for Nigeria.

Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said his principal would perform the religious rites associated with Umrah and seek Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria.

Before departing Abuja, Tinubu is also expected to commission equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

He said the president is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the pilgrimage.

Tinubu recently returned from a four-week vacation in Europe.

He arrived in Lagos State from Paris, France, on September 29, following a break that began on August 30.

On his return, the president dismissed concerns about his health and assured citizens that he was ready to resume work.

“Ready to kick, ready to work. There’s nothing wrong (with my health). Well, rumours will always emanate from politics. But the fact remains (that) I’m here—healthy, sound and ready to go,” he said.