President Bola Tinubu’s Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, Ademola Oshodi, has dismissed claims that the Nigerian president could be arrested in the United States, describing the suggestion as politically motivated and “pure nonsense.”
Oshodi spoke during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics following the Presidency’s announcement that Tinubu would not personally attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, in New York.
The Presidency announced on September 20 that Vice President Kashim Shettima would lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st UNGA, which is scheduled for September 22 to 28, 2026.
The development has generated political reactions, including criticism from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who questioned Tinubu’s repeated absence from the UN gathering and referred to issues surrounding the President’s history with US authorities.
However, Oshodi rejected the suggestion that Tinubu’s absence was connected to fears of arrest in the US.
“There is absolutely no impediment. You know, for absolutely no reason, it is pure politics. This election season is a silly season of people saying things for electoral advantage. It is that simple,” Oshodi said.
He argued that the United States would not arrest a sitting head of state and referenced foreign leaders who had dealings with the US despite political disagreements.
“America would not, in any case, arrest any heads of state,” he said.
Oshodi also said Tinubu had previously travelled to the United States and that he had personally accompanied the President on some of those trips.
“Bola Tinubu, the president, has been in America. I was there with him twice. I was doing everything prior to that before he was president,” he said.
He further described claims that Tinubu was avoiding the United States because of possible legal action as an old political narrative.
Channels Television separately reported that Oshodi said the President’s absence from the UNGA would not affect Nigeria’s international role, noting that Tinubu was concentrating on domestic issues including the economy and security.
The Presidency has also previously rejected claims that Tinubu is facing a criminal case in the United States. In September, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga said a US court proceeding involving records relating to Tinubu was a civil dispute under the Freedom of Information Act and not a criminal trial against the President.
For the 2026 UNGA, Shettima is expected to lead a high-level Nigerian delegation that includes Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.
How did this story make you feel?
Join the conversation
Share a thoughtful response. Submissions may be reviewed before appearing.
