Tinubu Cancels UNGA Trip; Shettima to Lead Delegation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may have shelved his plans to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, scheduled between September 22 and 28, 2026. Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected to lead Nigeria's delegation at the gathering.

The decision reportedly stems from security concerns related to a planned protest by some Nigerians in the United States, which may have been influenced by ongoing efforts to secure the release of records concerning Tinubu's activities in Chicago during the early 1990s. Intelligence reports indicated that opposition elements in Nigeria were mobilizing Nigerians in the U.S. for this demonstration.

Tinubu was initially slated to address world leaders on September 23 during the high-level segment of the UNGA, but the cancellation of his trip reflects the potential risks associated with the planned protest.