The campaign of African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar says President Bola Tinubu's recent Umrah in Saudi Arabia will not guarantee him a second term.

What was said

Speaking on a television politics programme on Monday night, 2 November 2026, Phrank Shaibu, director of strategic communication for the ADC presidential campaign council, reportedly said political mandates cannot be won through religious display. He argued that pilgrimage should be a personal matter, not something publicised as a national event by political supporters, and said Nigerians would make their choice in 2027 based on the cost of living rather than prayers abroad. Asked whether Atiku would have joined Tinubu if invited, he said the former vice-president had supported Tinubu's earlier trips to Mecca. He also claimed Atiku was in a strong position in the North.

The President's side

Tinubu left Abuja for Makkah on 29 October. He described the trip as a chance to seek divine guidance, wisdom and resilience, and said that before the 2023 election he had performed Umrah and promised to return to give thanks if his prayers were answered. During the visit he was granted the rare privilege of entering the Kaaba, where he said he prayed for peace, unity and prosperity for Nigeria. The Presidency has rejected claims that the trip was for medical reasons.

Background

The trip has drawn comment across the political spectrum. Former senator Dino Melaye challenged Tinubu to a Quran recitation contest, while Oyo governor Seyi Makinde asked the Presidency to explain the purpose of the journey. APC supporters have welcomed the visit and the honour extended by the Saudi leadership.

The campaign of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has rejected a viral social media report claiming that he had been hospitalised after breaking his neck in a gym accident.

What the camp said

Obi's spokesman, Idris Zekeri, reportedly described the report and the photographs shared with it as completely false, in comments published on Monday, 2 November 2026. He said he was with the former Anambra governor on Sunday morning before Obi boarded a flight for an international engagement. Zekeri accused political opponents of making up the story to cause confusion among Obi's supporters ahead of the 2027 election.

Background

False health claims about political figures have become common in the run-up to the January 2027 elections. Last week, the Presidency rejected claims by activist Omoyele Sowore that President Bola Tinubu travelled to Saudi Arabia for medical treatment, saying he went for Umrah. Fact-checkers have also debunked a clip that claimed Obi said he could not defeat Tinubu. Obi, who is running with Rabiu Kwankwaso, has been touring states including Nasarawa and Ebonyi in recent days.

Why it matters

Observers say fake stories and doctored images can mislead voters, and INEC's chairman warned on Monday that cheap AI tools are making such material easier to produce. Voters are being urged to check claims with official sources before sharing them.

What happens next

Obi is expected to resume campaigning when he returns from his trip.

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has hit back at critics of the Rainbow Coalition, the cross-party alliance he leads in support of President Bola Tinubu's re-election.

What Wike said

Speaking on Monday, 2 November 2026, at the commissioning of the Gwagwalada Civic Centre in Abuja and a meeting with APC and PDP stakeholders in the area council, Wike said some politicians who deny that the coalition exists have no capacity to hold their own families or communities together. He asked why leaders who once held opposing views could not work together for the public good, and praised local leaders in Gwagwalada for setting aside party differences. He urged residents to go to polling units, districts and communities and mobilise voters for Tinubu.

Row in Nasarawa

In Nasarawa State, the APC faced criticism after Kabiru Dallah, the Zenith Labour Party candidate for Lafia/Obi federal constituency, was listed on its youth mobilisation committee. Some members alleged a hidden deal with the Rainbow Coalition. The state party secretary, Yarus Daguza, said Dallah's name had been removed and that the Nasarawa APC is not part of the coalition. Some members called on Governor Abdullahi Sule to dissolve the list and form a new campaign council, while supporters of losing governorship aspirants complained that they had been left out by the party and its candidate, Senator Ahmed Wadada.

Background

The Rainbow Coalition brings together figures from the PDP and other parties who back Tinubu. Rivers governor Siminalayi Fubara has endorsed it, while Imo governor Hope Uzodimma, an APC leader, has rejected it in his state. Critics say it blurs party lines, while Wike says it puts the public interest first.

What happens next

The coalition's role is expected to remain a point of tension within the APC and PDP as campaigning continues.

Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the treatment of retired police officers and unveiled what he called a Police Dignity Guarantee Plan.

What he said

In comments reported on Monday, 2 November 2026, Atiku condemned what he described as the government's failure to protect retired officers who have been protesting at the National Pension Commission in Abuja over their pensions. He reportedly faulted the administration for not acting on a police exit bill which he said has been awaiting the President's signature since March 2026.

His promises

Atiku said that if elected, he would restore gratuity for retired officers and implement a Police Pension Board Bill within 30 days of taking office. He said police officers who served the country deserve to retire with dignity.

Background

Retired police officers have held repeated protests in Abuja over what they say are poor pensions under the contributory pension scheme, and have called for police to be removed from the scheme. The federal government has said it is working on reforms to improve welfare for serving and retired officers. Atiku has recently launched several attacks on the government's record, including accusing Tinubu of failing to keep his promises on electricity. The APC has dismissed such criticism, saying the government's reforms are beginning to show results.

What happens next

The Presidency had not responded to Atiku's latest comments at the time of reporting.