UNGA: Tinubu’s Cancellation of Attendance Sparks Fresh Debates

President Bola Tinubu’s decision not to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York has triggered fresh political debate, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima representing Nigeria at the high-level session.

Tinubu’s absence marks the third consecutive year he has not physically attended the annual gathering of world leaders. Shettima represented him at the 79th and 80th sessions in 2024 and 2025.

The Presidency said Tinubu mandated Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation and deliver the country’s national statement during the General Debate.

The delegation includes Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.

The General Debate is scheduled to run from September 22 to 28, with discussions expected to focus on international peace and security, development, climate action and global cooperation.

The Federal Government has defended the decision, saying Nigeria would be fully and effectively represented throughout the high-level session.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said Shettima had the President’s full mandate to represent Nigeria and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements.

The minister also criticised speculation surrounding Tinubu’s absence, urging political actors to distinguish between verified information and political commentary.

The controversy followed criticism from former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who questioned Tinubu’s decision to miss the gathering for the third consecutive year.

Atiku had also raised questions about the President’s prolonged stay outside Nigeria and whether the constitutional procedure for transmitting presidential powers to the Vice-President had been followed.

The Presidency said Tinubu remained in contact with officials in Nigeria and continued directing government affairs during his working vacation in Europe.

Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for London before travelling to Paris, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.

The Presidency later announced that the President had extended his working vacation by a few days and was expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend.

Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, had previously indicated that Tinubu was expected to attend this year’s General Assembly. A provisional programme had also listed the President to address the General Debate.

Following the change in plans, Shettima is now expected to represent Nigeria in the principal sessions and participate in bilateral engagements on the sidelines.

The development has renewed public discussion about presidential attendance at major international forums and the diplomatic role of Nigeria’s delegation at the United Nations.