Presidency explains Tinubu’s absence at UNGA

Reactions to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's decision to have his Vice President, Kashim Shettima, represent him at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York have been mixed. Daily Trust reported that Tinubu would not be physically present at the event, making it the third consecutive UNGA he missed in person since taking office in 2023.

Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, had initially confirmed that Tinubu would attend, but Tinubu later directed Shettima to lead the delegation.

Stanley Nkwocha, spokesperson for the Vice President, announced that Tinubu had appointed Shettima to represent him at the session, which will take place from September 22 to 28, 2026. The high-level delegation will include governors Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, as well as ministers and other senior government officials. During the General Debate, Shettima will deliver Nigeria's national statement, outlining the country's position and priorities on major global issues.

Criticism has been directed towards Tinubu's absence, with some Nigerians questioning whether his decision is linked to recent concerns over his alleged drug case. Leading the criticism is Atiku Abubakar, a presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who demanded an explanation from Tinubu over his repeated absences from the UNGA. Abubakar questioned whether Tinubu's documented history with U.S. law-enforcement agencies has become a burden on Nigeria's foreign relations.

Netizens on social media platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) have also expressed their opinions on the matter. Some users defended Tinubu, while others questioned the wisdom of his absence from such a significant global event.