ADC Spokesperson Recounts How Atiku Financed Tinubu’s First Mecca Pilgrimage
Phrank Shaibu, who oversees strategic communications for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, has disclosed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar provided the funds for President Bola Tinubu’s first pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
Shaibu revealed this on Monday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he addressed questions surrounding Tinubu’s latest religious journey.
Reacting to a question about whether Atiku would have joined the President on the trip if he had received an invitation, the ADC official brought up an earlier encounter between both political figures, insisting that Atiku had previously taken responsibility for Tinubu’s expenses during his visit to Mecca.
He described the former vice president’s gesture as evidence of his willingness to assist others in matters concerning their religious beliefs and relationship with God.
Shaibu maintained that Atiku’s decision to sponsor Tinubu was motivated by his personal devotion and desire to encourage others to embrace spirituality.
He stated, “The first time Bola Tinubu went to the Holy Land in Saudi Arabia, it was on the bills of Atiku Abubakar. He took him there. It’s on record; let him contest it.
“Atiku, in his magnanimity, sponsored President Tinubu to the Holy Land because of his love for people and the Almighty. Atiku loves bringing people to know God.”
Moving away from the circumstances surrounding the earlier pilgrimage, Shaibu challenged the political narrative being built around Tinubu’s current visit to Saudi Arabia for Umrah.
He argued that participation in religious activities should not be presented as a qualification for retaining political power, stressing that visiting Mecca does not amount to an assurance of victory in the 2027 presidential election.
The ADC representative also condemned the involvement of political supporters in promoting the President’s religious activities, maintaining that personal worship should not be converted into a government or political publicity exercise.
He further questioned Tinubu’s religious convictions, citing the ongoing legal troubles of Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State.
According to Shaibu, the President’s treatment of people facing difficulties should reflect the principles of compassion and fairness associated with the religion he professes.
He also took issue with Tinubu’s decision to speak through a microphone while in Saudi Arabia, arguing that such public displays were taking place against the backdrop of severe economic difficulties affecting Nigerians.
The opposition figure accused the Federal Government of presenting an overly positive picture of the economy while ordinary citizens continue to grapple with financial pressure, hunger and declining purchasing power.
He dismissed claims of economic recovery, arguing that the administration’s reported achievements have yet to translate into meaningful relief for struggling households.
Shaibu maintained that the increasing cost of groceries, household supplies and other essential services remains a major burden for citizens, many of whom are finding it increasingly difficult to meet their daily needs.
He concluded that the President’s pilgrimage would not erase the economic experiences of Nigerians, insisting that voters would assess his administration based on the conditions of their lives rather than his religious activities in Saudi Arabia.
