“Where Is the President?” — Obi Questions Tinubu Over Third UNGA Absence

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has directly questioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Obi, in a statement posted on his X account on Sunday, asked Tinubu why he had not personally attended any of the last three UN General Assembly meetings.

“Where is the President of Africa’s most populous nation, a country of more than 200 million people more than Ghana whose leader has been absent from the global stage for three consecutive UNGAs?” Obi asked.

The former Anambra State governor said Nigeria’s President should be present at major international gatherings to represent the country and provide leadership on issues affecting Africa and the wider international community.

“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,” Obi said.

“Where is he, particularly at a time when the country faces significant challenges, both domestically and internationally?”

Obi made the comments while reacting to Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama’s participation at the 81st UNGA, describing Mahama’s address as remarkable.

He said Mahama’s appearance demonstrated what leadership could produce when competence, capacity, compassion, commitment and character were brought together in the service of a nation.

Obi acknowledged that Vice President Kashim Shettima attended the UNGA on behalf of Nigeria but maintained that questions remained about Tinubu’s absence.

“Although our Vice President, Kashim Shettima, was present, the question remains: Where is the President?” Obi said.

The Federal Government had earlier said Tinubu mandated Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st UNGA while the President was on annual leave. The government said Nigeria was therefore fully represented at the gathering.

Obi concluded by calling for prayers for Tinubu’s return and leadership in addressing the challenges confronting the country.

“Let us continue to pray for his return and for his leadership in addressing the many challenges confronting the nation,” he said.