2027 NDC Presidential candidate, Peter Obi and President Bola Tinubu
Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), saying Nigeria should be represented by its President at such an important global gathering.
Obi made the remarks in a statement shared on his official X account on Sunday, where he praised Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, for his participation and address at the UN.
According to Obi, Mahama’s performance reflected the qualities of effective leadership and earned international recognition.
“The dynamic President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, delivered a remarkable address at the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The international community has commended his leadership and the substance of his address. It is a reminder of what leadership can produce when competence, capacity, compassion, commitment and character come together in the service of a nation,” Obi said.
He said many Nigerians were asking why President Tinubu was absent from the annual gathering for the third consecutive time despite Nigeria’s position as Africa’s most populous country.
“Against this background, many are asking: Where is the President of Africa’s most populous nation, a country of more than 200 million people – more than Ghana – whose leader has been absent from the global stage for three consecutive UNGAs?” he stated.
Obi added that although Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the event, many citizens still expected the President to personally lead the country’s delegation.
“Nigeria’s President, who ought to be representing the country and providing leadership for Africa at the international level, has not attended any of these three global gatherings. Where is he, particularly at a time when the country faces significant challenges, both domestically and internationally?
“Although our Vice President, Kashim Shettima, was present, the question remains: Where is the President? Let us continue to pray for his return and for his leadership in addressing the many challenges confronting the nation,” Obi said.
He ended the statement with his familiar message: “A new Nigeria is POssible.”
President Tinubu did not attend the 81st UN General Assembly, with Vice President Kashim Shettima leading Nigeria’s delegation. Shettima delivered Nigeria’s national statement and held several bilateral meetings on behalf of the President during the event.
The United Nations General Assembly is the world’s largest annual gathering of heads of state and government, where global leaders discuss international peace, security, economic development, climate change and other major global issues. Nigeria has traditionally used the platform to present its positions on key international and African matters
