Atiku Demands Explanation for Tinubu’s Third Consecutive UNGA Absence

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has demanded an explanation from President Bola Tinubu over his decision not to attend the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, for the third consecutive year.

Atiku made the demand 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 81st session of the UNGA in New York.

Tinubu was absent from the 79th UNGA in 2024 and the 80th session in 2025, with Shettima representing him on both occasions. The Vice President is again scheduled to represent Nigeria at the 2026 gathering.

Atiku said the repeated absence should not be treated as routine delegation, arguing that UNGA provides an important platform for heads of government to engage in bilateral diplomacy, pursue investment and trade partnerships, mobilise development financing and advance national interests.

He acknowledged that Shettima could adequately represent Nigeria but argued that repeated delegation could not fully replace the President’s personal participation in high-level diplomatic engagements.

The former Vice President also questioned earlier reports that Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, had made arrangements for Tinubu to attend the gathering and occupy a position close to United States President Donald Trump.

Atiku further raised questions about the Federal Government’s reported engagement of a US lobbying firm at a value of up to $9 million, asking why such resources were being committed to diplomatic efforts in the United States while Tinubu would not personally attend the UNGA.

He also referred to Tinubu’s past legal proceedings in the United States and questioned whether they had any bearing on the President’s repeated absence. Atiku, however, acknowledged that there had been no official announcement that Tinubu was legally barred from travelling to the United States.

The former Vice President therefore called on the Presidency to clarify whether there was any legal, diplomatic, personal or other reason preventing Tinubu from attending the 81st UNGA.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian mission to the United Nations has maintained that the country would be fully represented at the gathering. Shettima is expected to participate in high-level engagements and deliver Nigeria’s national statement, alongside other members of the delegation.

The Presidency has also rejected suggestions that Tinubu’s absence is linked to any restriction on his travel to the United States, maintaining that the President’s decision would not diminish Nigeria’s diplomatic presence or international role.

The development has renewed debate over presidential representation at major international forums, with the administration emphasising continued diplomatic engagement through its delegation and Atiku calling for greater clarity on the President’s repeated non-attendance.