Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for an explanation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his decision to miss the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. This marks Tinubu's third consecutive year of absence from the annual global diplomatic gathering. Atiku's demand for clarification comes after the Presidency confirmed that Vice President Kashim Shettima would lead Nigeria's delegation to the 81st UNGA.
Atiku, in a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, questioned whether issues surrounding Tinubu's past legal proceedings in the United States had influenced his repeated absence. He argued that although Shettima could represent Nigeria, presidential delegation could not permanently substitute for the personal diplomatic visibility and authority of the President. The former vice president emphasized that UNGA provides world leaders with opportunities to hold bilateral meetings, negotiate partnerships, attract investment, and discuss issues concerning trade, security, development, and international cooperation.
According to Atiku, Tinubu's absence from the 79th UNGA in 2024, the 80th in 2025, and now the 81st in 2026 represents a pattern that warrants an explanation from the Presidency. He linked the issue to Nigeria's economic challenges, stating that repeated presidential absence could affect Nigeria's ability to maximise such opportunities. Atiku also drew attention to earlier assurances by Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, that Tinubu would attend the 2026 UNGA and occupy a seat close to United States President Donald Trump.
Atiku questioned why the President would not attend after the Nigerian mission had reportedly arranged the seat, adding that "the seat was secured, but the President disappeared." He also questioned the reported expenditure of up to $9 million on American lobbyists, asking why Nigeria would spend millions of dollars on lobbying efforts in the United States while the President repeatedly failed to attend the UNGA in New York.
The former vice president further linked Tinubu's absence to questions surrounding his history in the United States, particularly a 1993 forfeiture proceeding involving funds connected to Tinubu and associated companies. Atiku cited Case No. 93 C 4483 before the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and alleged that the proceedings resulted in the forfeiture of about $460,000 to the US government.
However, Atiku acknowledged that neither the Presidency nor any available official statement had established that Tinubu was legally barred from travelling to the United States. He therefore asked the Presidency to state whether there was any legal, diplomatic, medical, or personal reason preventing Tinubu from attending the UNGA. Atiku criticised what he described as a contrast between Tinubu's domestic political posture and his absence from major international diplomatic engagements.
The Nigerian government has maintained that the country would be adequately represented at the 81st UNGA, with Shettima expected to deliver Nigeria's national statement and lead a delegation comprising governors, ministers, and other senior government officials. Ibrahim said more than 60 per cent of speakers listed for the session were being represented by vice presidents or foreign ministers, while assuring that Nigeria would retain its designated front-row position at the assembly.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar demands explanation for President Tinubu's absence from the 81st UNGA.
- Tinubu's absence from UNGA raises concerns over Nigeria's diplomatic visibility and economic interests.
- Atiku questions whether issues surrounding Tinubu's past legal proceedings in the US influenced his repeated absence.
