…Queries Tinubu’s Absence From UNGA
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has questioned the continued absence from Nigeria of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Obi also asked where President Tinubu was when the 81st United Nations General Assembly held in New York.
The NDC presidential candidate in a statement on Sunday, September 27, 2026 by his spokesperson, Idris Zekeri Jnr, after watching an address delivered by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama at the UN General Assembly, noted that the participation of Mahama contrasted that of Tinubu at the global gathering, stressing that Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous country, should have its President present at such international engagements.
In the words of Obi; “Where is the President of Africa’s most populous nation, a country of more than 200 million people—more than Ghana—whose leader has been absent from the global stage for three consecutive UNGAs?”
Obi also questioned Tinubu’s absence amid what he described as significant challenges facing Nigeria at home and abroad.
“Where is President Tinubu, particularly at a time when the country faces significant challenges both domestically and internationally?” Obi asked.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the 81st UN General Assembly and presented the country’s national statement.
The Presidency had said Tinubu delegated Shettima to represent him at some official engagements during his working vacation.
The President left Nigeria on August 30, 2026, for Europe to begin an initial three-week working vacation which the presidency said was part of his annual leave before travelling to Paris, France, where he met French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.
The Presidency last week announced that Tinubu had extended his stay abroad by a few days, stating that he remained in contact with officials at home and continued to direct government affairs while away.
However, reports on Sunday stated that Tinubu’s return schedule had again changed, with Presidency sources indicating that he is now expected to return to Lagos on Tuesday, September 29.
While Obi acknowledged Shettima’s presence at the UN, he however said that the Vice-President’s representation did not answer his question about Tinubu’s absence.
In the words of Obi; “Although our Vice President, Kashim Shettima, was present, the question remains: where is the President?”.
The NDC Presidential candidate called on Nigerians to continue praying for Tinubu’s return and leadership, and expressed the hope for a “New Nigeria”.
