Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesperson for African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has faulted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s trip to Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

Tinubu departed Nigeria for Makkah on Thursday, October 29, to perform Umrah, the lesser Islamic pilgrimage.

According to the Presidency, Tinubu will use the trip as an opportunity to pray for Nigeria’s peace, stability and progress.

Opposition figures, however, believe that Tinubu is using the trip to conceal concerns about his health.

In a post on X, the actor-turned-politician alleged that Tinubu was masking the real reason for his trip to Makkah.

Okonkwo claimed that the president had left the campaign trail because he was unwell.

“Tinubu going to Makkah to pray for Nigeria when he could not pray for himself is really taking the name of God in vain. Must you deceive even with the name of God? We understand that the President is human and everyone is willing to pray for him, but praying for him would be more challenging if he keeps masking the reason he stays away from duty.

“Umaru Yar’Adua left the campaign ground for a sudden checkup in Germany because he was unwell. He didn't have to use God’s name. Tinubu is leaving the campaign because he is unwell. May God heal him, and above all press it on his mind to honourably step aside and allow God to heal Nigeria.”

Tinubu going to Makkah to pray for Nigeria when he could not pray for himself is really taking the name of God in vain. Must you deceive even with the name of God? We understand that the President is human and everyone is willing to pray for him, but praying for him would be more challenging if he keeps masking the reason he stays away from duty. Umaru Yar’Adua left the campaign ground for a sudden checkup in Germany because he was unwell. He didn't have to use God’s name. Tinubu is leaving the campaign because he is unwell. May God heal him, and above all press it on his mind to honourably step aside and allow God to heal Nigeria.

— Kenneth Okonkwo (@realkenokonkwo) October 29, 2026