A media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Phrank Shaibu, has claimed that his principal sponsored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s first-ever trip to Saudi Arabia, describing the gesture as an example of Atiku’s generosity and personal commitment to helping others strengthen their relationship with God.

 

Shaibu made the claim on Monday during an appearance on Politics Today, where he spoke about Atiku’s relationship with Tinubu and highlighted what he described as the former vice president’s willingness to extend kindness to people, regardless of their political affiliations.

 

According to Shaibu, Atiku personally financed Tinubu’s first journey to the Holy Land, challenging the Nigerian president to publicly dispute the allegation if he believed it was untrue.

 

Atiku Allegedly Financed Tinubu’s First Saudi Arabia Visit

 

During the television interview, Shaibu maintained that Atiku played a significant role in facilitating Tinubu’s first visit to Saudi Arabia.

 

He said the former vice president sponsored the trip out of his personal generosity and desire to encourage others to connect with their faith.

 

“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,” Shaibu stated.

 

He further described Atiku as someone who enjoys helping people experience spiritual journeys and develop a closer relationship with God.

 

“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,” he added.

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Political Relationship Between Atiku and Tinubu

 

The claim has drawn attention to the historical relationship between Atiku and Tinubu, two prominent Nigerian politicians who have occupied influential positions in the country’s political landscape.

 

Although both men have become major political rivals, their political careers have included periods of interaction within Nigeria’s political establishment.

 

Atiku served as Nigeria’s vice president between 1999 and 2007 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, while Tinubu served as governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007.

 

Both politicians have also played significant roles in opposition politics and the formation of political alliances at different periods.

 

Their relationship has since evolved into a fierce political rivalry, particularly following the 2023 presidential election, in which Tinubu emerged as president while Atiku contested against him on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

 

Challenge to Tinubu

 

By publicly making the allegation, Shaibu has challenged Tinubu to respond to the claim about his alleged first trip to Saudi Arabia and Atiku’s involvement in financing it.

 

However, the statement remains an allegation made by Atiku’s media aide, and no independent confirmation or response from Tinubu was contained in the remarks provided.

 

The claim has nevertheless introduced another dimension to discussions about the past relationship between the two political figures, highlighting how personal and political connections can evolve over time.