Group Alleges Smear Campaign Against Hajj Commission’s Boss

A political support group, Tinubu Vanguard for 2027, has warned against a smear campaign allegedly targeting Prof. Abdullahi Usman, the chairman of the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON).

In a statement in Abuja, the group alleged that some individuals had sponsored coordinated media attacks to discredit the commission’s chairman and the agency’s activities ahead of the 2026 Hajj operations.

It called on security agencies to investigate the alleged campaign and bring those behind it to book.

The group’s president, Bisola Abdulkadir, said the attempts to malign the chairman’s reputation were politically motivated.

She added they aimed to disrupt the commission’s plan for the smooth running of hajj operations in Nigeria.

Abdulkadir warned that the campaign was ultimately aimed at President Tinubu, claiming that the sponsors were plotting to turn northern sentiment against the president by forcing the removal of the NAHCON chairman.

She said, “We have incredible information that millions of naira have been injected into a campaign to malign the chairman of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in order to derail the commission’s preparations.

“We urge the general public to disregard these politically motivated campaigns. What the commission needs now is support, not distraction.

“Such behaviour to distract hardworking and committed public office holders for personal interests is totally unacceptable and Nigerians must rise to challenge people behind it.

“The Tinubu administration is working round the clock to provide good governance, but this must not be taken for granted. The government needs the support of Nigerians to deliver.”

However, the group commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for supporting the commission.

The group added that the administration has committed to smooth and transparent hajj operations.