Atiku questions Tinubu’s absence from UN General Assembly
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has asked President Bola Tinubu to explain his decision not to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Atiku made the call in a statement issued on Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, following the Presidency’s announcement that Vice President Kashim Shettima would lead Nigeria’s delegation to the meeting.
Tinubu’s decision means he will not personally attend the UN General Assembly for the third consecutive year, having also sent Shettima to represent Nigeria in 2024 and 2025.
Atiku said the repeated absence required clarification, arguing that the annual gathering provides opportunities for world leaders to hold bilateral meetings, discuss trade and security and engage potential investors.
“The United Nations General Assembly is one of the world’s most important diplomatic gatherings. It brings together the representatives of the UN’s 193 member states and provides a unique platform for presidents and prime ministers to defend their countries’ interests,” Atiku said.
He argued that although the Vice President could represent Nigeria, such representation could not permanently replace the President’s direct participation in major diplomatic engagements.
Atiku also questioned whether issues surrounding Tinubu’s past legal proceedings in the United States had influenced his decision not to attend the gathering.
However, he acknowledged that there was no official indication that Tinubu was legally barred from travelling to the United States.
“We are not asserting that Tinubu is legally prohibited from entering the United States,” Atiku said, while asking the Presidency to clarify whether there was any legal, diplomatic, medical or personal reason for the President’s absence.
He also questioned reports that Nigeria had spent millions of dollars on lobbying activities in the United States, asking why such expenditure was necessary if the President was not attending the UN gathering.
The former Vice President further referred to earlier comments by Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, who had said Tinubu was expected to attend the 81st General Assembly.
Meanwhile, the Presidency has said Nigeria will be adequately represented at the UN meeting through Shettima, who is expected to deliver the country’s national statement and hold bilateral meetings with other world leaders and international organisations.
The 81st UN General Assembly is scheduled to take place in New York from September 22 to 28, 2026.
