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Former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar has demanded a full explanation from President Bola Tinubu over his repeated absences from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku asked whether the President’s documented interactions with United States law‑enforcement agencies have become a burden on Nigeria’s foreign relations.
Atiku noted that President Tinubu missed the 79th UNGA in 2024, the 80th in 2025 and the 81st in 2026, each time sending Vice‑President Kashim Shettima in his place. He said three consecutive absences could not be dismissed as coincidence or routine delegation and called for an honest explanation.
“The United Nations General Assembly is one of the world’s most important diplomatic gatherings. It brings together representatives of the UN’s 193 member states and provides a unique platform for presidents and prime ministers to defend their countries’ interests, negotiate partnerships and shape global decisions on trade, security and development,” Atiku said.
“Vice‑President Shettima may represent Nigeria capably, but representation by delegation cannot permanently substitute for the personal authority, visibility and responsibility of the President. Tinubu cannot continue to treat Nigeria’s seat at the world’s biggest diplomatic table as though it were an inconvenient appointment that can be endlessly outsourced.”
Atiku warned that presidential absence at UNGA carries real costs. He said the Assembly’s sidelines are where leaders hold bilateral meetings, court investors, negotiate trade partnerships, mobilise development finance and advocate for their countries. “When a President makes himself absent from that stage for three consecutive years, his country loses opportunities. Investment does not follow silence,” he said.
He argued the economic consequences ultimately fall on ordinary Nigerians: fewer investments mean fewer jobs, reduced capital inflows put pressure on the naira, and higher costs for imports, production, transport and food exacerbate the cost‑of‑living crisis.
Atiku also criticised Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim, for announcing that a seat had been secured for the President “not too far from where the US President, Donald Trump, will be seated,” only for Tinubu to be absent. “The seat was secured, but the President disappeared,” Atiku said.
He questioned the administration’s decision to spend up to $9 million of foreign exchange on US lobbyists while the President repeatedly stayed away from New York. “What exactly did Nigerians purchase with that money? Why spend millions lobbying Washington while Tinubu cannot summon the courage to appear at the world’s biggest diplomatic gathering on American soil?” he asked.
Atiku further raised concerns about whether Tinubu is deterred by fears of scrutiny abroad, referencing controversies surrounding the President’s academic claims and a history of US drug‑related forfeiture proceedings. “Is this the kind of President Nigeria deserves — one who projects bravado at home but appears terrified of scrutiny abroad?” he asked.
The Presidency has not yet issued a response to Atiku’s statement.
