UNGA 81: Peter Obi Queries President Tinubu’s Absence From United Nations General Assembly

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has publicly questioned the whereabouts of President Bola Tinubu, expressing concern over his consecutive absences from the global stage during a period of significant national and international challenges.

Obi raised the queries following the viral address delivered by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama at the just-concluded 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

In a statement shared across his social media platforms, Obi praised the Ghanaian President’s presentation, describing it as a “remarkable address” that exemplified effective leadership.

“The international community has commended his leadership and the substance of his address,” Obi noted. “It is a reminder of what leadership can produce when competence, capacity, compassion, commitment, and character come together in the service of a nation.”

Against this backdrop, Obi contrasted Ghana’s active diplomatic engagement with what he termed a recurring leadership void for Africa’s most populous nation. He pointed out that Nigeria’s leader has now been absent from three consecutive UN General Assemblies.

Questions Mount Over Tinubu’s Prolonged Absence

“Where is the President of Africa’s most populous nation, a country of more than 200 million people?” Obi asked. “Nigeria’s President, who ought to be representing the country and providing leadership for Africa at the international level, has not attended any of these three global gatherings.”

President Tinubu has been outside the country since late August for a working vacation in Europe, with his return schedule recently adjusted by the presidency. While Vice President Kashim Shettima led the Nigerian delegation and delivered the national statement at UNGA 81, Obi maintained that a surrogate presence does not resolve fundamental questions regarding the head of state’s availability.

“Although our Vice President, Kashim Shettima, was present, the question remains: Where is the President?” Obi asked. He concluded his statement by calling on citizens to pray for the president’s return and for the guidance necessary to navigate the socio-economic headwinds currently confronting the country.