UNGA 2026: Presidency dismisses US concerns as Atiku questions Tinubu’s absence
By Felix Uroko
The Presidency has rejected suggestions that President Bola Tinubu’s decision to skip the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York is linked to any problem with the United States.
The President’s Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, Ademola Osodi, described the suggestion as an “old chestnut” during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.
Tinubu’s absence will be his third consecutive year away from the UNGA, with Vice President Kashim Shettima again representing Nigeria and leading the country’s delegation.
Presidency: Tinubu has travelled to US
Osodi dismissed claims that Tinubu was avoiding the United States, pointing to previous trips by the President.
He recalled accompanying Tinubu to the UNGA in 2023, when the President attended meetings in New York and visited the stock exchange.
Osodi also said Tinubu recently travelled through Los Angeles with his delegation while heading to Yokohama, Japan.
«“We were in America, I was there with them. So it is politics. We can talk about this every single election cycle, it is just politics,” Osodi said.»
The aide said there was “absolutely no impediment” preventing Tinubu from travelling to the US.
Why Tinubu is staying away
Osodi said the President was concentrating on domestic priorities, particularly the economy and security, while also engaging through other regional and international platforms.
He argued that Nigeria’s international role would not be diminished by Tinubu’s absence from the UNGA.
«“With or without his presence, there will not change Nigeria’s role as giant of Africa, the leader of the economic resurgence of Africa,” he said.»
Osodi also pointed to Nigeria’s involvement in regional, continental and South-South groupings, including BRICS, as evidence that the UN is not the country’s only platform for international engagement.
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim, will also participate in the diplomatic engagements in New York.
Atiku demands explanation
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, however, has questioned Tinubu’s repeated absence from the annual gathering.
Atiku, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, noted that Tinubu did not attend the 79th UNGA in 2024 or the 80th in 2025, with Shettima representing Nigeria on both occasions.
He argued that while the Vice President could represent the country, repeated delegation could not replace the President’s personal participation at a major diplomatic gathering.
Atiku said UNGA provides world leaders with opportunities to pursue diplomatic engagements, investment and trade partnerships and development financing.
He also questioned reports that arrangements had been made for Tinubu to sit near US President Donald Trump during the General Assembly.
“The seat was secured, but the President disappeared,” Atiku said, according to his statement.
The Presidency has not indicated that any US restriction prevented Tinubu from attending. Osodi’s comments specifically rejected that suggestion.
Shettima to represent Nigeria
With Tinubu staying away, Shettima is expected to lead Nigeria’s delegation and participate in high-level and bilateral meetings during the UNGA.
The 81st session therefore proceeds with Nigeria represented by senior officials, while the President’s absence remains a subject of political debate between the administration and its critics.
