Atiku Abubakar Questions Tinubu's UNGA Absence

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Bola Tinubu for not attending the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, questioning whether Tinubu's past controversies in the United States are affecting Nigeria's foreign relations. Tinubu has assigned Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria's delegation, which begins its high-level General Debate on September 22.

Atiku noted that Tinubu has been absent from the previous two UNGA sessions in 2024 and 2025, with Shettima representing him each time. He emphasized the importance of the UNGA as a platform for leaders to engage in bilateral meetings and pursue partnerships.

Atiku also raised concerns about the economic implications of Tinubu's absence, stating that it leads to missed investment opportunities. He linked the President's absence to Nigeria's $9 million contract with the DCI Group, a US lobbying firm, questioning the effectiveness of this expenditure while the President avoids key diplomatic engagements.