Tinubu's third UNGA absence deepens controversy over US legal history
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu's third consecutive absence from the UN General Assembly has sparked political controversy. Opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, are questioning the reasons behind his absence and suggesting it may be linked to past legal issues in the US.
Why it matters
The President's absence from a major diplomatic forum raises questions about Nigeria's international engagement and domestic political stability.
President Bola Tinubu’s decision to extend his working vacation in Europe by a few days, while Vice-President Kashim Shettima represents Nigeria at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, has intensified debate over the President’s repeated absence from the annual gathering. The Presidency announced on Monday that Tinubu, who departed Nigeria on August 30 for a working vacation in London before moving to Paris, would return to Nigeria at the weekend. Shettima, who left Abuja on September 20, is leading Nigeria’s delegation to the UNGA and will deliver the country’s national statement. The development means Tinubu will not personally attend the 81st UNGA, making this his third consecutive absence from the high-level gathering after Shettima represented him in 2024 and 2025.
Is Tinubu afraid that he could become the next Nicolás Maduro? – Atiku
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