President Bola Tinubu’s decision to extend his working vacation in Europe while Vice President Kashim Shettima represents Nigeria at the 81st United Nations General Assembly has triggered fresh political debate over his repeated absence from the annual gathering.
The Presidency announced on Monday that Tinubu, who left Nigeria on August 30 for a working vacation in London before travelling to Paris, would return to Nigeria at the weekend. Shettima departed for New York on September 20 to lead Nigeria’s delegation and deliver the country’s national statement at the General Assembly.
The development means Tinubu will miss the UNGA high-level gathering for the third consecutive year. Shettima also represented him at the 79th UNGA in 2024 and the 80th session in 2025.
Atiku questions Tinubu’s absence
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has questioned the decision, arguing that repeated presidential absence from UNGA requires an explanation.
Atiku said the gathering provides an opportunity for heads of government to hold bilateral meetings, pursue investment and trade partnerships and engage directly with other world leaders.
He also questioned reports that Tinubu had been allocated a seat close to US President Donald Trump during the General Assembly, asking why the President would not attend despite the reported arrangement.
Atiku further raised questions about whether Tinubu’s past dealings with US authorities had any connection with his repeated absence from the New York meeting.
He referred to a 1990s US civil forfeiture proceeding involving funds associated with Tinubu, while acknowledging that he was not claiming the President was legally barred from entering the United States.
US legal case resurfaces
The controversy centres partly on a 1993 civil forfeiture case in the United States involving funds held in accounts associated with Tinubu and others.
According to accounts cited in the current political debate, the proceedings ended with about $460,000 being forfeited to the US government. The matter was a civil forfeiture proceeding rather than a criminal conviction against Tinubu.
Atiku has nevertheless cited the historical case while questioning whether Tinubu’s US history could have affected his decision to attend the UNGA.
The Presidency has rejected the suggestion, describing insinuations linking the President’s absence to his US history as baseless and irresponsible. It has also maintained that there is no restriction preventing Tinubu from travelling to the United States.
Presidency defends Tinubu’s decision
The administration has maintained that Tinubu has continued to oversee government affairs while abroad.
The State House said the President remained in contact with officials in Nigeria and continued directing government business. It cited his order for an independent investigation into the deaths of 37 illegal miners in Minna as one example of his activities while away.
Tinubu also held meetings in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré during his stay in Europe.
Presidential officials have also argued that Nigeria’s diplomatic interests will not suffer because the President is not physically present at the General Assembly.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, Ademola Osodi, said Tinubu’s absence would not diminish Nigeria’s diplomatic standing or its role in African affairs. Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim, similarly said the country would remain adequately represented through Shettima and other senior officials.
Shettima leads Nigeria’s delegation
Shettima is expected to represent Nigeria throughout the high-level UNGA engagements, including delivering the country’s national statement.
The Presidency said Nigeria would use its participation to advance its positions on issues including reform of the global financial system, sustainable development, climate finance, technology access and stronger African representation in international decision-making.
The Federal Government has also criticised speculation surrounding Tinubu’s absence.
Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris said political criticism was legitimate but argued that speculation should not be presented as established fact.
With Tinubu expected back in Nigeria at the weekend, the debate over his third consecutive UNGA absence is likely to continue, particularly as political parties and their candidates prepare for the 2027 general elections.
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