Atiku Critiques Tinubu's UNGA Absences Impacting Nigeria

Atiku Abubakar, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, criticized President Bola Tinubu for missing the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) sessions in 2024, 2025, and 2026, delegating Vice President Kashim Shettima instead. Atiku argued that this pattern of absence indicates a need for an honest explanation, as the UNGA is crucial for diplomatic engagement and economic opportunities.

He stated that Tinubu's repeated absence could lead to negative consequences for Nigeria, including reduced investments and economic pressures on citizens. Atiku noted that Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim, had secured a seat for Tinubu near U.S.

President Donald Trump, questioning why Tinubu did not attend despite this opportunity. He emphasized that the economic and diplomatic repercussions of the President's absence are felt by ordinary Nigerians, highlighting the broader implications of leadership visibility on the global stage.