Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has questioned the absence of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the 81st United Nations General Assembly, contrasting it with Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama’s active participation at the global gathering.
Obi raised the question after watching President Mahama deliver Ghana’s national statement at the UN General Assembly in New York on September 24, 2026. Mahama addressed the Assembly on global issues including Africa’s development, climate justice, reparatory justice and reform of the international system.
In a statement, Obi described Mahama as a “dynamic President” whose address, he said, demonstrated what leadership could produce when “competence, capacity, compassion, commitment and character” are brought together in the service of a nation.
He then turned his attention to Tinubu, asking bluntly: “Where is the President of Africa’s most populous nation?”
Obi questioned why Tinubu had been absent from the UN General Assembly for three consecutive years, arguing that Nigeria, with a population of more than 200 million people, should have its President personally representing the country and providing leadership for Africa on the international stage.
“Where is he, particularly at a time when the country faces significant challenges, both domestically and internationally?” Obi asked.
Tinubu personally attended the 78th UN General Assembly in 2023. However, he did not attend the 79th session in 2024 or the 80th in 2025, with Vice President Kashim Shettima representing Nigeria on both occasions. Shettima has again led Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st session in 2026.
The Nigerian Presidency has defended Tinubu’s decision, saying the President is on annual leave and that Shettima has been given a full mandate to represent Nigeria at the gathering. The Presidency has also rejected suggestions that Tinubu’s absence diminishes Nigeria’s diplomatic standing or its role in African affairs.
Obi, however, maintained that the Vice President’s presence did not answer the question of the President’s continued absence.
“Although our Vice President, Kashim Shettima, was present, the question remains: Where is the President?” he said.
He called for prayers for Tinubu’s return and for his leadership in confronting the challenges facing Nigeria.
Obi ended his statement with his political slogan: “A new Nigeria is POssible.”
Source: www.kumasimail.com
