Peter Obi Questions Tinubu’s Absence From UNGA, Asks: ‘Where Is the President?’

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, asking why the Nigerian leader was not personally present at the global gathering.

Obi raised the issue after watching an address by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama at the UN General Assembly.

The former Anambra State governor praised Mahama’s speech, describing it as an example of what leadership could achieve through competence, capacity, compassion, commitment and character.

He then questioned Tinubu’s absence, given Nigeria’s population and position in Africa.

“Where is the President of Africa’s most populous nation, a country of more than 200 million people, more than Ghana, whose leader has been absent from the global stage for three consecutive UNGAs?” Obi asked.

Obi said the President’s absence had raised questions about Nigeria’s representation and leadership at a time when the country was dealing with domestic and international challenges.

Tinubu did not attend the UNGA in person, but Vice President Kashim Shettima led Nigeria’s delegation to the gathering and delivered the national statement prepared for the President during the General Debate on September 24.

In the address, Nigeria called for reforms to the United Nations Security Council, including permanent representation for Africa, while also pushing for stronger climate support, fairer global financing and deeper multilateral cooperation.

Shettima has since returned to Nigeria after completing the UNGA assignment.

Obi, however, said Shettima’s presence did not answer his question about Tinubu’s absence.

“Although our Vice President, Kashim Shettima, was present, the question remains: Where is the President?” he said.

The Presidency has defended Tinubu’s absence, saying the President has continued to perform his official duties while abroad.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said Tinubu was “hale and hearty” and was entitled to his working vacation.

“In this digital age, he does not need to be physically present in Abuja to do the work for which he was elected in 2023,” Onanuga said.

Onanuga also pointed to Tinubu’s meetings in France, including engagements with investors and the $7bn Gateway Deep Seaport and Special Economic Zone project in Ogun State, as evidence that the President had continued working while abroad.

Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for what the Presidency initially described as a three-week working vacation in Europe. His return was subsequently extended, with the latest schedule indicating that he is expected back in Nigeria on September 29.

Obi also called on Nigerians to continue praying for Tinubu’s return and for his leadership in addressing the challenges confronting the country.

“Let us continue to pray for his return and for his leadership in addressing the many challenges confronting the nation,” Obi said.

The comments come as political activity ahead of the 2027 presidential election continues. The Independent National Electoral Commission has listed Obi as the NDC presidential candidate, alongside 17 other presidential candidates for the January 2027 election.

Obi ended his statement with his established political slogan, “A new Nigeria is POssible.”