… As Atiku demands explanation over absence
By Seun Ibiyemi
President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima scheduled to lead Nigeria’s delegation.
The decision was announced on Sunday by Stanley Nkwocha, spokesman for the Vice-President, ending speculation over whether Tinubu would travel to the United States for the annual global gathering.
According to Nkwocha, Tinubu directed Shettima to represent him at the General Assembly, whose General Debate begins on September 22.
The development came after earlier indications that the President was expected to attend the UNGA. Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, had previously said arrangements were being made for Tinubu to attend and sit close to United States President Donald Trump.
However, the Presidency had not formally confirmed the President’s attendance before Sunday’s announcement.
The UNGA General Debate will run from September 22 to 28 under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement, presenting the country’s position and priorities on major international issues affecting development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.
The Vice-President is also scheduled to participate in high-level meetings during the UNGA week, including discussions on the Right to Development and climate action.
His engagements are expected to cover other issues considered strategically important to Nigeria and the wider African continent.
Shettima’s delegation will include Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.
The Vice-President is also expected to attend the traditional reception for heads of delegation and hold bilateral meetings with foreign leaders, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
According to his office, the engagements will provide an opportunity to advance the Federal Government’s economic diplomacy, strengthen strategic partnerships and enhance Nigeria’s participation in discussions on reform of the global financial architecture.
Other areas of focus will include sustainable development, climate finance and multilateral cooperation.
Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria after completing his official engagements in New York.
Tinubu’s absence marks the third consecutive UN General Assembly session he has missed since assuming office in 2023.
In a swift response, former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has demanded an explanation from President Bola Tinubu over his decision to miss the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Atiku, in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said Tinubu was absent from the 79th UNGA in 2024 and the 80th in 2025, with Shettima representing Nigeria on both occasions.
He argued that the repeated absence required clarification, particularly given the importance of the General Assembly to international diplomacy, investment, trade and development.
“The United Nations General Assembly is one of the world’s most important diplomatic gatherings,” Atiku said, adding that the forum provides opportunities for national leaders to defend their countries’ interests and negotiate partnerships.
The UN describes the General Assembly as its main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ, with all 193 member states represented. The 81st session opened on September 8, 2026.
Atiku also questioned reports that Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, had secured a seat for Tinubu near United States President Donald Trump at the General Assembly.
“The seat was secured, but the President disappeared,” Atiku said, questioning why Tinubu would not attend after the reported arrangement.
He also raised questions over reports that the Tinubu administration committed up to $9 million to American lobbyists, asking why Nigeria would spend resources on lobbying in the United States while the President repeatedly stayed away from the UN gathering in New York.
Atiku further linked Tinubu’s absence to his past legal proceedings in the United States.
READ ALSO:2027: SERAP sues INEC over failure to disclose political donation limits
He cited Case No. 93 C 4483 before the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, referring to a forfeiture proceeding involving funds associated with Tinubu and companies linked to him.
Atiku alleged that the proceedings resulted in the forfeiture of approximately $460,000 to the US government and questioned whether the history had any bearing on Tinubu’s decision not to attend UNGA.
However, Atiku acknowledged that he was not claiming that Tinubu was legally barred from entering the United States.
“We are not asserting that Tinubu is legally prohibited from entering the United States. The Presidency has announced no such restriction,” he said.
The criticism comes as the Presidency has defended the decision to send Shettima to represent Nigeria at the 81st UNGA.
Presidential aide Ademola Osodi said Tinubu’s absence would not affect Nigeria’s international role, adding that the President was focused on domestic issues.
Atiku, however, argued that the Vice President’s representation could not permanently substitute for the President’s personal participation in major international diplomatic engagements.
He said UNGA provides opportunities for leaders to hold bilateral meetings, attract investment, negotiate trade partnerships and mobilise development financing.
The former vice president also linked the issue to Nigeria’s economic challenges, arguing that greater presidential visibility at international forums could help the country pursue investment and economic opportunities.
Atiku further questioned whether there was any legal, diplomatic, medical or personal reason for Tinubu’s continued absence and called on the Presidency to provide clarification.
“If there is no impediment, the Presidency must explain this serial absenteeism. If an impediment exists, Nigerians have a right to know,” he said.
The controversy comes as Shettima leads Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st UNGA, where the country is expected to participate in high-level discussions alongside representatives of other UN member states.
