Tinubu’s aide dismisses US arrest claims as pure politics ahead of UNGA 81
Ademola Oshodi, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, dismissed claims that the United States could arrest Tinubu, calling the allegations ‘pure nonsense’ and politically motivated. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Oshodi said the Presidency had confirmed Tinubu will not attend the 81st UN General Assembly in New York. He argued the US would not arrest a sitting head of state, citing Muammar Gaddafi, Fidel Castro and Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini as examples of leaders who engaged with America despite political differences. Oshodi added there is ‘absolutely no impediment’ to Tinubu’s travel, describing the rumors as election‑season talk meant for electoral advantage. He noted Tinubu has visited the US twice before his presidency and that such claims are ‘pure politics’. The Presidency also announced that Vice‑President Kashim Shettima will lead Nigeria’s delegation to UNGA 81. Opposition figure Omoyele Sowore has claimed Tinubu fears arrest, a charge Oshodi rejects as baseless.