UNGA absence: Nigeria can’t pay for Tinubu’s US baggage – Atiku

Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar from the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has demanded that Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu provide a full explanation for his repeated absence from the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA. Atiku questioned whether Tinubu's documented history with United States law enforcement agencies has become a burden on Nigeria's foreign relations.

According to a statement issued by Atiku's Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Tinubu missed the 79th UNGA session in 2024, the 80th in 2025, and the 81st in 2026, with Vice President Kashim Shettima standing in for him each time. Atiku emphasized that the UNGA is a crucial diplomatic gathering, where world leaders defend their countries' interests, negotiate partnerships, and shape global decisions.

He argued that delegation cannot permanently substitute for the President's personal authority, visibility, and responsibility. Atiku stressed that Tinubu cannot continue treating Nigeria's seat at the UNGA as an inconvenient appointment, as the President's absence has significant consequences. When a President is absent for three consecutive years, his country loses investment opportunities, international capital does not pursue the country, and the cost is eventually transferred to ordinary citizens.

The economic pressures resulting from Tinubu's absence are being felt by Nigerian families during the worst cost-of-living crisis in recent memory. Atiku concluded that while a President may choose to surrender his seat, a nation cannot escape the bill.