The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s absence from the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, describing it as his third consecutive absence since assuming office in 2023.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the opposition group expressed concern over the President’s absence and questioned the circumstances surrounding his failure to attend the annual gathering of world leaders.
The NDC said Nigerians had previously been told by Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, that Tinubu would attend the UNGA and sit close to United States President Donald Trump, but that the presidency later announced that Vice President Kashim Shettima had been mandated to lead Nigeria’s delegation.
The group also criticised the President’s extended stay outside Nigeria, alleging that he left the country on August 30 and did not formally transmit power to the National Assembly.
Citing Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, the NDC argued that a president proceeding on vacation or otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office is required to transmit a written declaration to the National Assembly.
The group further claimed that Tinubu’s absence from UNGA could affect Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic interests, arguing that the gathering provides opportunities for presidential-level bilateral meetings, foreign investment engagements, debt relief negotiations, climate finance and security cooperation.
The NDC contrasted Nigeria’s absence with Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama’s participation at UNGA 81, saying Mahama articulated Africa’s position on debt justice, climate reparations and multilateralism.
Reacting to the reported explanation that the President could not travel to New York merely to deliver a 15-minute speech, the group said the importance of UNGA extended beyond speeches to high-level diplomatic engagements.
The NDC demanded the immediate disclosure of the President’s whereabouts and health status, compliance with Section 145 of the Constitution and an end to what it described as an “imperial presidency” that treats accountability as an afterthought.
The group said, “A nation of over 200 million people can not be run by delegation and press release. Nigeria deserves a president who is present,” the party said.
