Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has publicly questioned President Bola Tinubu's decision to miss the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, citing concerns about Nigeria's foreign relations and global influence. Atiku's criticism comes as Vice President Kashim Shettima leads Nigeria's delegation to the annual gathering. According to Atiku, Tinubu's absence marks his third consecutive year missing the UNGA since 2024, prompting demands for an explanation from the President.
The Presidency announced that Tinubu had mandated Shettima to represent him at the General Assembly, where the Vice President is expected to deliver Nigeria's national statement and participate in high-level and bilateral meetings. This move followed weeks of speculation over whether Tinubu would personally attend the annual gathering of world leaders. Nigeria's envoy to the United Nations, Amb Jimoh Ibrahim, had previously stated that the President would personally attend the 81st UNGA.
However, Atiku's Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, released a statement criticizing Tinubu's absence, arguing that it constitutes a pattern of presidential evasion requiring an honest explanation. Atiku emphasized that the UNGA is a crucial diplomatic gathering where presidents and prime ministers defend their countries' interests, negotiate partnerships, and shape global decisions on trade, security, and development.
In response to Atiku's criticism, the Presidency stated that Shettima would lead a high-level delegation comprising Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, ministers, and other senior government officials. The Vice President is expected to deliver Nigeria's national statement, outlining the country's position and priorities on major global issues with implications for national development, peace and security, economic growth, and international cooperation.
Amb Ibrahim assured that Nigeria would be adequately represented despite Tinubu's absence, citing that over 60 per cent of those listed to speak at the ongoing UNGA were being represented by either their vice presidents or foreign ministers. Ibrahim, who is also Chairman of the UN Committee on Budget and Administration, stated that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and other senior government officials would join Shettima at the high-level session.
Atiku's concerns about Tinubu's repeated absence from the UNGA raise questions about the potential impact on Nigeria's foreign relations, particularly given the President's documented history with United States law-enforcement agencies. Atiku argued that presidential absence on the global stage has consequences, emphasizing that the UNGA is not merely a ceremonial gathering or an annual photo opportunity.
Shettima represented Tinubu at the 79th and 80th sessions of the UNGA in 2024 and 2025, and is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of his engagements in New York. The 81st UNGA General Debate is scheduled for September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme, "Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all."
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar questions President Bola Tinubu's decision to miss the 81st UNGA, citing concerns about Nigeria's foreign relations and global influence.
- Vice President Kashim Shettima leads Nigeria's delegation to the UNGA in Tinubu's absence.
- Atiku demands an explanation for Tinubu's repeated absence from the UNGA, raising concerns about the potential impact on Nigeria's foreign relations.
