Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, has demanded a full explanation from President Bola Tinubu over the Nigerian leader’s repeated absence from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). According to a statement released on Sunday, Tinubu missed the 79th UNGA session in 2024, the 80th in 2025 and the 81st in 2026, each time sending Vice‑President Kashim Shettima to represent the country.
The call for clarity came from Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, who said that three consecutive absences could no longer be dismissed as coincidence or routine delegation. “This pattern of presidential evasion requires an honest explanation,” Shaibu added.
In his remarks, Atiku highlighted the significance of the UNGA.
“The United Nations General Assembly is one of the world’s most important diplomatic gatherings. It brings together the representatives of the UN’s 193 member states and provides a unique platform for presidents and prime ministers to defend their countries’ interests, negotiate partnerships and shape global decisions on trade, security and development,” he said.
He warned that delegation cannot permanently replace the personal authority and visibility of the president.
“Vice President Shettima may represent Nigeria capably, but representation by delegation cannot permanently substitute for the personal authority, visibility and responsibility of the President,” Atiku said.
Atiku outlined the economic and diplomatic costs of Tinubu’s absence, noting that missed opportunities could lead to reduced investment and weaker currency. He listed the consequences as follows:
- Fewer investments and job creation
- Lower capital inflows and pressure on the naira
- Higher costs of imports, production, transportation and food
- Increased cost‑of‑living crisis for ordinary Nigerians
“Tinubu may consider attending UNGA a matter of personal prerogative, but the economic and diplomatic consequences of his absence are being paid by Nigerians,” Atiku concluded. “A President may surrender his seat, but a nation cannot escape the bill.”
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
