RismadarVoice Reporters
November 3, 2026
Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s recent Umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, arguing that religious activities cannot guarantee his re-election in 2027.
Shaibu made the remarks on Monday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he accused the President and his supporters of politicising the religious exercise.
The spokesman for former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar maintained that pilgrimage should remain a personal act of worship rather than become part of political messaging.
He argued that Nigerians would assess Tinubu’s administration based on governance, economic conditions and their daily experiences rather than religious declarations.
Shaibu also questioned the President’s sincerity of faith, referring to the detention of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai.
His remarks reflected his political assessment and did not link the President’s religious beliefs to El-Rufai’s legal circumstances.
The ADC spokesman further challenged the administration’s claims of economic progress, saying many Nigerians continued to struggle with rising living costs and financial hardship.
He maintained that voters would remember the cost of food and essential goods when evaluating the government’s performance ahead of the 2027 election.
During the interview, Shaibu also claimed that Atiku had sponsored Tinubu’s first pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. No independent evidence has substantiated the claim
He expressed confidence in Atiku’s political support across northern Nigeria, although no polling evidence was presented to support his assessment.
Tinubu departed Abuja on October 29 and performed Umrah in Makkah on October 30.
According to the Presidency, the President offered prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and continued development.
Speaking after the pilgrimage, Tinubu described the experience as spiritually fulfilling and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to pray for the country.
He also recalled performing Umrah before the 2023 presidential election and said he had returned to offer thanksgiving.
Meanwhile, Special Assistant to the President on International Affairs and Protocols, Ademola Oshodi, defended the visit, maintaining that it was a religious exercise intended to seek divine guidance for Nigeria.
Oshodi rejected suggestions that the pilgrimage was primarily political, stressing that religious devotion was a personal matter.
The exchanges reflect continuing disagreements between the Presidency and Atiku’s campaign organisation as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general election.
