morganable politics/Governance
The Presidency, however, maintained that Nigeria would be adequately represented at the summit, noting that Shettima had been mandated to deliver the country’s national statement and participate in high-level engagements on behalf of the President
KaNo —
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his absence from the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, demanding a full explanation for what he described as a pattern of repeated non-attendance at the global summit.
The Presidency had earlier confirmed that Vice President Kashim Shettima would lead Nigeria’s delegation to the annual gathering of world leaders, putting to rest weeks of speculation over whether Tinubu would personally attend the high-level meeting.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said Tinubu’s decision to skip the 2026 assembly marked his third consecutive absence, raising concerns about Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement at the highest level.
According to the statement, the former vice president questioned whether the repeated absence signalled deeper issues affecting Nigeria’s foreign relations, insisting that the President owed Nigerians a clear and honest explanation.
“The United Nations General Assembly is one of the world’s most important diplomatic gatherings,” Atiku said.
“It brings together representatives of 193 member states and offers a unique platform for leaders to defend national interests, negotiate partnerships and shape global decisions on trade, security and development.”
The Presidency, however, maintained that Nigeria would be adequately represented at the summit, noting that Shettima had been mandated to deliver the country’s national statement and participate in high-level engagements on behalf of the President.
In a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, the government outlined the composition of Nigeria’s delegation and the scope of its participation at the event.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York,” the statement read.
It added that the delegation would include Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, ministers and other senior government officials.
The 81st UNGA General Debate, scheduled to hold from September 22 to 28, 2026, is themed “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
According to the Presidency, Shettima is expected to present Nigeria’s position on key global issues, including peace and security, economic growth, climate action and international cooperation, while also engaging in bilateral meetings with world leaders and development partners.
The statement further noted that Nigeria would use the platform to advance its economic diplomacy agenda, deepen strategic partnerships and push for reforms in global financial systems, including increased access to climate finance and sustainable development support.
Despite these assurances, Atiku argued that delegating representation to the vice president could not substitute for the President’s personal presence at such a critical international forum.
“Vice President Shettima may represent Nigeria capably, but representation by delegation cannot permanently substitute for the authority and visibility of the President,” he said.
He warned that repeated absence from the global stage could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s international standing, particularly in attracting foreign investment and strengthening diplomatic ties.
“UNGA is not merely ceremonial,” Atiku added. “Its sidelines are where leaders hold decisive meetings, negotiate trade partnerships and mobilise development finance. When a President repeatedly absents himself, the country risks losing valuable opportunities.”
Providing further context, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, defended the President’s decision, stating that it was not unusual for countries to be represented by their vice presidents or foreign ministers at the assembly.
In a statement issued by the Nigerian Mission in New York, Ibrahim said more than 60 per cent of leaders scheduled to speak at the current session were being represented by senior government officials rather than heads of state.
He emphasised that Nigeria would retain its designated position at the assembly, including its front-row seating, with Shettima fully empowered to act on behalf of the President.
“The Vice President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs are adequately positioned to represent Nigeria at the General Assembly and participate fully in the diplomatic engagements,” Ibrahim said.
He also clarified that Tinubu’s absence was due to his ongoing annual leave in France, urging Nigerians not to interpret the development as a sign of diminished participation.
“The absence of the President should not be interpreted as Nigeria being inadequately represented. Our delegation will continue to participate fully in the proceedings,” he added.
The envoy noted that Shettima had previously represented Tinubu at the 79th and 80th sessions of the UNGA in 2024 and 2025, respectively, describing the arrangement as consistent with global diplomatic practice.
However, Atiku insisted that the pattern of absence could no longer be dismissed as routine delegation, arguing that three consecutive non-attendances pointed to a troubling trend.
He urged the Presidency to address public concerns and provide clarity on the reasons behind the President’s repeated decision to skip the assembly.
Analysts say the debate reflects broader concerns about Nigeria’s engagement in multilateral diplomacy at a time when global cooperation is increasingly critical to addressing challenges such as climate change, economic instability and security threats.
They note that while delegation is common in international diplomacy, consistent absence by a sitting president from a high-profile platform like the UNGA may raise questions about strategic priorities and leadership visibility.
As the 81st session unfolds in New York, attention is expected to remain on Nigeria’s participation and the effectiveness of its delegation in advancing the country’s interests on the global stage.
Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the week-long engagements.
