By Our Reporter
President Bola Tinubu will miss the United Nations General Assembly for the third straight year. Vice President Kashim Shettima will leave for New York on Sunday to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st session of the UNGA.
The Presidency said Tinubu had authorized Shettima to represent him, citing the President’s focus on domestic issues, such as the economy and security, along with other international commitments. Tinubu attended the 78th UNGA in 2023 himself, but Shettima represented him at the 79th in 2024 and the 80th in 2025.
During an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, Ademola Osodi, dismissed rumors that Tinubu’s absence was due to strained ties with the United States. He stated that the President had visited the US previously and called such speculation an “old chestnut,” emphasizing that Tinubu is focused on domestic issues and other international activities. Osodi also noted Nigeria’s diplomatic priorities go beyond the UN, highlighting participation in regional, continental, and South-South groups, including BRICS.
However, Tinubu’s absence has faced criticism from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress. In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said that three consecutive absences can no longer be seen as “coincidence or routine delegation,” calling it a “pattern of presidential evasion that demands a sincere explanation.” He pointed out that while the Vice President can represent Nigeria, repeated delegation cannot replace the President’s personal presence and authority at a major diplomatic event.
The 81st UNGA General Debate is scheduled from September 22 to 28, with the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.” Tinubu was initially scheduled as the 10th speaker for the morning session on September 23, but the Presidency later confirmed he would not attend in person. Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement and conduct bilateral meetings on the sidelines. His delegation includes Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers, and other senior officials.
The Presidency maintains that Tinubu’s absence will not affect Nigeria’s standing internationally. Osodi stated, “With or without his presence, there will be no change in Nigeria’s role as the giant of Africa, the leader of Africa’s economic resurgence.” Meanwhile, reports have circulated about a possible meeting between Tinubu and Donald Trump at the UNGA. However, an Atiku-affiliated US lobbying firm’s claim that such a meeting has been canceled has not been independently verified by either the White House or the Nigerian government.