Atiku's Aide Questions Tinubu's Absence from UNGA

Paul Ibe, the Media Adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, raised concerns regarding President Bola Tinubu's reported absence from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). In a post on his X handle, Ibe noted that this absence is increasingly difficult to dismiss as a mere change of travel plans, especially given the Tinubu administration's extensive diplomatic efforts, including a reported $9 million lobbying arrangement aimed at improving Nigeria's image in Washington.

He highlighted ongoing engagements by senior officials, such as National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and a proposed Nigeria-US mining agreement expected to advance around the UNGA. Ibe pointed out unresolved litigation in the U.S. under the Freedom of Information Act concerning President Tinubu, which he claimed the President is attempting to block.

He questioned the rationale behind the reported absence after significant lobbying and diplomatic groundwork, demanding transparency from the Presidency regarding the change of plans.