Tinubu’s UNGA Absence Sparks Fresh Dispute Over Nigeria’s Global Representation
By Akin Alade
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York has triggered a fresh political dispute, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s campaign questioning why the Nigerian leader has again delegated the responsibility to Vice President Kashim Shettima. Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesperson for the Atiku campaign, alleged that Tinubu was avoiding the United States because of fears of possible arrest, but the claim has not been established as fact.
The controversy has intensified because this is Tinubu’s third consecutive absence from UNGA after attending the 78th session in 2023. Shettima represented Nigeria in 2024 and 2025 and is again leading the Nigerian delegation in 2026. Atiku had previously demanded an explanation for the repeated presidential absence, arguing that UNGA provides an important platform for heads of government to pursue diplomatic, economic and strategic engagements.
Atiku’s campaign has linked Tinubu’s absence to renewed public discussion about historical legal proceedings and records in the United States. However, the Presidency has rejected the interpretation that Tinubu is avoiding the US because of legal restrictions. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has described the matter surrounding the release of historical US records as a civil Freedom of Information Act dispute and said it should not be portrayed as a criminal case against the President.
The Nigerian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, had also previously stated that the Nigerian Mission in New York had received no communication from the US government indicating any restriction on Tinubu’s movement. Ibrahim further cited protections under the 1947 UN-US Headquarters Agreement for representatives attending official UN activities.
The Presidency has instead explained that Tinubu’s absence is connected to his extended working vacation. According to the State House, the President departed Nigeria on August 30, travelled to London and subsequently Paris, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and other officials while continuing to direct affairs of government. The Presidency said Shettima was delegated to represent Nigeria at UNGA.
The latest exchange therefore moves the debate beyond the arrest allegation to a broader question about presidential representation at major international forums. Supporters of the President can point to the constitutional and administrative ability to delegate representation, while critics argue that repeated presidential absence from a major diplomatic gathering deserves greater public explanation. These are competing political interpretations, rather than established evidence that the President is legally barred from entering the United States.
As the 81st UN General Assembly continues, the central issue for Nigeria remains how effectively its interests are projected on the international stage. While Shettima is representing the country and is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement, the controversy surrounding Tinubu’s absence is likely to remain part of the wider political debate ahead of the 2027 elections.
