Atiku Abubakar Slams Tinubu for Skipping UNGA Three Years Running

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will skip the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, marking his third consecutive absence from the event since 2024. The Presidency announced that Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead the Nigerian delegation from September 22 to 28 to focus on climate finance and global financial reform. Senior Special Assistant Ademola Osodi stated the president is prioritizing domestic security and economic issues, explicitly denying claims that American travel restrictions prevent him from entering the United States.

Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate and former Vice President, criticized the pattern of presidential evasion. He argued that delegating the role harms Nigeria's diplomatic visibility and economic interests, noting that the administration reportedly spent $9 million on American lobbyists to improve its standing. Abubakar questioned if the absences are linked to a narcotics-related asset forfeiture case in the Northern District of Illinois, asking if the president is afraid of becoming a target of U.S. political pressure.

Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim, defended the arrangement, stating that senior officials frequently represent heads of state. However, Abubakar maintained that delegation cannot replace the president's personal role in securing trade partnerships, asserting that investment does not follow silence.