The camp of African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has asked President Bola Tinubu to explain his sudden decision to skip the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Media aide to the former vice president, Paul Ibe, raised the questions on Sunday, shortly after the Presidency announced that Vice President Kashim Shettima would lead Nigeria's delegation. Ibe questioned why Tinubu would not personally attend despite earlier indications that he would address the General Assembly.
The Presidency had earlier indicated that Tinubu was expected to attend the 81st UNGA, with reports that he would address the General Debate on September 23. Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim, had also publicly confirmed the President's attendance. However, the Presidency announced on Sunday that Tinubu had directed Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria's delegation to the annual gathering, scheduled for September 22 to 28.
This decision means Tinubu will have missed the UNGA in person for three consecutive years, after attending the 78th session in 2023. Tinubu personally attended the 78th UNGA, where he delivered Nigeria's national statement. He subsequently delegated Shettima to represent him at the 79th session in 2024 and the 80th session in 2025. Ibe noted that the latest decision raises questions about the reason for the President's absence.
Ibe questioned whether any bilateral engagement with other world leaders had been planned, cancelled or declined, and asked whether diplomatic, political, security or other considerations informed the change. He also argued that the 81st UNGA would have provided an opportunity for Tinubu to engage directly with world leaders on issues including investment, security cooperation, trade and international partnerships.
The Atiku aide further criticised the administration's wider diplomatic record, citing the prolonged period during which several Nigerian diplomatic missions operated without substantive ambassadors following the recall of ambassadors in 2023. He also recalled that the Federal Government announced the appointment of 65 career and non-career ambassadorial nominees in March 2026, after the positions had remained vacant for an extended period.
The Presidency said Shettima's participation would ensure Nigeria maintains a strong presence at the global gathering. According to a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima will deliver Nigeria's national statement during the General Debate and participate in high-level meetings on the Right to Development, climate action and other issues affecting Nigeria and Africa.
Ibe maintained that Nigeria's international representation required sustained diplomatic engagement, arguing that ambassadors play roles in promoting national interests, investment, international cooperation and consular matters. He said the Presidency should explain why Tinubu's earlier plan to attend the meeting was changed at the last minute, adding that asking questions about a sudden change in Nigeria's international representation amounted to accountability rather than hostility.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar's camp questions President Bola Tinubu's sudden decision to skip the UNGA despite earlier assurances.
- The decision means Tinubu will have missed the UNGA in person for three consecutive years.
- The Atiku aide criticised the administration's wider diplomatic record, citing prolonged periods without substantive ambassadors.
