Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Obi raised the issue after watching an address delivered by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama at the global gathering, contrasting Mahama’s presence with Tinubu’s absence.
According to Obi, the situation raises questions about Nigeria’s visibility and leadership on the international stage at a time when the country continues to face a number of domestic and international challenges.
Shettima represented Tinubu at UNGA
Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Tinubu and led Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st UNGA.
The Federal Government had announced that Tinubu mandated Shettima to represent him at the gathering, where the Vice President was scheduled to deliver Nigeria’s national statement and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements.
Shettima subsequently delivered Nigeria’s national statement on September 24, outlining the country’s positions on issues including reform of global institutions, international security and stronger representation for Africa in global decision-making.
Obi, however, maintained that Shettima’s presence did not resolve his question about the President’s absence.
“Although our Vice President, Kashim Shettima, was present, the question remains: Where is the President?” he said.
Obi compares Ghana and Nigeria
Obi praised Mahama’s address, describing it as an example of what leadership can achieve when competence, capacity, compassion, commitment and character are brought together in the service of a nation.
He subsequently questioned why Nigeria’s President was not personally present at the UNGA, given Nigeria’s population and position on the African continent.
“Where is the President of Africa’s most populous nation, a country of more than 200 million people—more than Ghana—whose leader has been absent from the global stage for three consecutive UNGAs?” Obi asked.
Obi’s remarks referred to Tinubu’s absence from the UNGA and his broader period outside Nigeria.
Obi calls for prayers for Tinubu
Obi also called on Nigerians to continue praying for Tinubu’s return and for his leadership in addressing the country’s challenges.
“Let us continue to pray for his return and for his leadership in addressing the many challenges confronting the nation,” he said.
He ended his statement with his political message: “A new Nigeria is POssible.”
Presidency defends Tinubu’s absence
The Presidency has defended Tinubu’s absence, saying the President is on a working vacation and has continued to discharge his responsibilities while abroad.
The State House had earlier announced that Tinubu’s working vacation, which began after his departure from Nigeria on August 30, had been extended by a few days. It also confirmed that Shettima would represent him at the UNGA.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga subsequently dismissed concerns over Tinubu’s absence, saying the President remained engaged in official matters while outside Nigeria.
The exchange has renewed public discussion over presidential representation at major international gatherings, Nigeria’s visibility at the UN and the role of the Vice President when the President is unavailable.