Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s decision to stay away from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, with Vice President Kashim Shettima leading Nigeria’s delegation to the annual gathering.
Atiku, in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said Tinubu’s absence marked the third consecutive year the President had not personally attended the UN General Assembly since 2024.
The 81st UNGA General Debate is scheduled to hold from September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
The Presidency said Shettima would lead a high-level Nigerian delegation comprising Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.
He is also expected to participate in high-level meetings on issues including the right to development, climate action and other matters considered strategically important to Nigeria and Africa.
Reacting to the development, however, Atiku said the President’s repeated absence required an explanation from the Presidency.
He argued that while Shettima could represent Nigeria at the gathering, presidential representation by delegation could not permanently replace the personal presence of the President at major diplomatic meetings.
Atiku said the UN General Assembly provides an important platform for world leaders to discuss trade, security, development, investment and international partnerships, adding that presidential participation could be used to pursue bilateral engagements and other national interests.
He also questioned why the Nigerian government had earlier highlighted efforts to secure a seat for Tinubu close to United States President Donald Trump if the President would ultimately not attend the session.
The former Vice President urged the Presidency to state whether there was any restriction or other impediment preventing Tinubu from travelling to the United States.
Atiku also linked the President’s absence to broader concerns about Nigeria’s diplomatic visibility and economic interests, arguing that presidential participation at international gatherings could create opportunities for investment, trade and development partnerships.
The General Debate begins on September 22, with Shettima expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement and represent the country throughout the high-level engagements.
He is expected to return to Nigeria after completing his programme in New York.
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