Tinubu’s Saudi Trip: President Departs as Atiku’s Aide Demands Clear Return Date

• Tinubu’s Saudi trip has drawn a fresh call for transparency, with Atiku Abubakar’s aide demanding a definite return date as the President leaves Abuja for Umrah.

President Bola Tinubu departed Abuja for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday, October 29, 2026, as former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, called on the Presidency to announce a definite date for his return.

The President left at approximately 2:20 p.m. Nigerian time to perform Umrah, according to the departure report.

The Presidency had announced the journey a day earlier, stating that Tinubu was expected back in Nigeria the following week after completing the religious exercise.

Presidency explains purpose of visit

In the October 28 statement, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the visit would provide an opportunity for spiritual reflection and prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and progress.

He said Tinubu would perform the religious rites associated with Umrah while seeking divine guidance and blessings for the country.

The statement also scheduled the commissioning of equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport before the President’s departure.

Although the Presidency gave a broad return window, it did not identify a specific date.

Atiku’s aide seeks clearer travel information

Reacting on Thursday, Ibe said Nigerians should receive a definite return date and timely explanations for any changes to the President’s itinerary.

He wished Tinubu a rewarding pilgrimage but argued that prayers should be accompanied by effective governance.

“Nigerians need prayers, and they also need competent leadership,” Ibe said.

He urged the President to match prayers for peace with action against insecurity and to pursue policies that ease hardship, create jobs and improve households’ ability to meet their needs.

Ibe also called for the journey to conclude as announced, framing his demand as a matter of transparency and public accountability.

Governors and senior officials see President off

Several governors and federal officials were present at the airport for Tinubu’s departure.

They included Governors AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Babagana Zulum of Borno, Uba Sani of Kaduna, Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto, Umar Namadi of Jigawa and Mai Mala Buni of Yobe.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume and Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi were also among those who saw the President off. Their presence at the airport does not establish that they accompanied him on the journey.

Return expected next week

The Presidency’s published schedule remains that Tinubu will return next week after completing Umrah.

The announcement reviewed for this report does not provide an exact return date or announce another destination. Ibe’s request for additional information is an opposition demand; it does not establish that the President has changed his itinerary.