By Samuel Olusegun Precious
Former Vice President and ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s fresh foreign borrowing request and challenged the Presidency to prove that Tinubu is actually in Makkah for Umrah.
In a statement on Wednesday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku said intelligence available to him suggests the announced Umrah pilgrimage could be a smokescreen for a trip to France. He alleged Tinubu may make only a brief appearance in Makkah before proceeding to France, and questioned whether the trip is linked to his health and a reported $20.52 billion loan request involving a French business partner.
Atiku, in the statement, demanded that the Presidency release clear, current and date-stamped photographs and videos daily showing President Tinubu at the Kaaba performing 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.
On the borrowing, Atiku faulted the $20.52bn and €1.045bn external loan request forwarded to the National Assembly on Wednesday, arguing that with total public debt already at N166.79 trillion as of June 2026 and domestic borrowing surging 106%, the administration is mortgaging Nigeria’s future.
He insisted Nigerians are entitled to know the President’s full itinerary, daily engagements and how the trip is being funded.
“No one should invoke the name of Almighty Allah in vain,” Atiku added, saying he and other Nigerians would join the President in prayers for peace and progress, but a spiritual mission on behalf of the nation must be treated with seriousness and transparency.
The Presidency has not yet responded to the demand as of press time.
