Atiku demands Tinubu explain repeated UNGA absences amid lobbying spend claims
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has demanded President Bola Tinubu explain his third consecutive absence from the United Nations General Assembly, noting that Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead Nigeria’s delegation for the 81st session in 2026 after representing him in 2024 and 2025. Atiku argued that the President’s personal authority at such a major diplomatic gathering cannot be substituted by a representative and questioned whether Tinubu’s repeated absence is linked to his past legal history in the United States, citing a forfeiture case that resulted in approximately $460,000 being paid to the US government.
He said the pattern affects Nigeria’s ability to secure bilateral meetings, attract investment, negotiate trade partnerships and mobilise development financing at UNGA, with potential economic consequences including fewer businesses and jobs for ordinary citizens. Atiku also highlighted reports of up to $9 million spent on American lobbyists by the Tinubu administration, asking what Nigerians gained from that spending while the President remains absent from the New York gathering.
The Presidency has stated there is no travel restriction on Tinubu, and Atiku called for clarification on whether the President is free to travel to the United States and for the reason behind his continued absence. Will you insist on transparency from the Presidency regarding the President’s travel decisions, or accept Vice‑presidential representation as sufficient for Nigeria’s international engagement?