President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to depart Abuja on Thursday, October 29, 2026, for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah and offer prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and continued progress.
Before his departure, the President is expected to commission equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force for its operations at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the visit will provide Tinubu with an opportunity for spiritual reflection and devotion as he seeks Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its people.
“The visit gives the President an opportunity for spiritual reflection, devotion, and prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability, and continued progress,” the statement said.
While in Makkah, Tinubu is expected to perform the religious rites of Umrah, an Islamic pilgrimage involving prescribed acts of worship in the Holy City.
The President is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the religious exercise.
However, the announcement of the trip has drawn a reaction from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who demanded daily, date-stamped photographs and videos showing Tinubu performing the rites of Umrah in Makkah.
Atiku questioned the transparency of the President’s announced pilgrimage, alleging that intelligence available to him suggested that France, rather than Saudi Arabia, might be Tinubu’s actual destination.
He raised concerns that the President could make only a brief appearance in Makkah before proceeding to France.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC), Atiku called on the Presidency to disclose Tinubu’s complete travel itinerary and clarify the purpose of the journey.
The former Vice President also questioned whether the trip was connected to the President’s health or an alleged $20 billion loan request involving a French business partner.
He urged the Presidency to address the concerns and provide Nigerians with accurate information about the President’s engagements during the visit.
According to Atiku, if Tinubu was genuinely travelling to Makkah to pray for Nigeria, the Presidency should publish clear, current and date-stamped photographs and videos each day showing him at the Kaaba and participating in the rites of Umrah.
He maintained that Nigerians deserved verifiable evidence of the President’s presence in Makkah, as well as a transparent account of his daily activities throughout the pilgrimage.
Atiku further stated that 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 any spiritual mission undertaken on behalf of the nation should be approached with sincerity and transparency.
The former Vice President argued that a presidential trip presented as a mission for the country was a matter of public interest.
He maintained that Nigerians were entitled to know the President’s engagements during the visit and how the journey was being funded.
Atiku consequently urged the Presidency to respond directly to the questions raised and provide information capable of addressing public concerns.
The Presidency’s announcement, however, identified Makkah, Saudi Arabia, as the destination of the President’s trip and stated that he would return to Nigeria the following week.
Atiku’s claims concerning a possible visit to France, the President’s health and the alleged $20 billion loan arrangement remain unverified allegations.
Post Title: “Tinubu To Pray For Nigeria’s Peace And Stability In Makkah” — Presidency Announces Thursday Departure As Atiku Demands Daily Video Evidence By Naijaonpoint.