‘Why are afraid of entering America?’, Atiku blasts Tinubu for missing third consecutive UNGA

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to explain his third consecutive absence from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), raising questions about the possible diplomatic and economic implications for Nigeria.

Atiku, in a statement issued on Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, questioned why Tinubu would again be represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 81st UNGA session in New York, United States.

According to the statement, Tinubu did not attend the 79th UNGA in 2024 or the 80th session in 2025 and would also be absent from the 81st session in 2026.

Atiku argued that the repeated absences could no longer be dismissed as routine delegation, insisting that Nigerians deserved an explanation from the Presidency.

He acknowledged that Shettima could represent the country but maintained that the Vice President’s presence could not permanently replace the President’s personal authority and visibility at major international engagements.

Atiku said the UN General Assembly provides world leaders with opportunities to defend their countries’ interests, negotiate partnerships, attract investment and participate in discussions on trade, security and development.

He argued that Nigeria could lose diplomatic and economic opportunities when its President repeatedly misses the gathering, adding that the consequences could ultimately affect ordinary Nigerians.

“The cost is eventually transferred to ordinary citizens,” Atiku said, linking what he described as reduced investment opportunities to fewer jobs, pressure on the naira and higher living costs.

The former vice president also questioned reports that Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, had secured a seat for Tinubu close to United States President Donald Trump.

Atiku described the reported arrangement as a diplomatic opportunity that had been abandoned, asking why efforts were made to secure the seat if the President would not attend.

He also raised questions about the reported expenditure of up to $9 million on American lobbyists, which he said were engaged to improve Nigeria’s standing with the US government and public.

Atiku questioned the value of the reported spending, asking why Nigeria would commit millions of dollars to lobbying efforts while the President continued to miss the UNGA sessions in New York.

The former vice president further raised questions about Tinubu’s past legal proceedings in the United States, including a 1993 asset-forfeiture case before the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

According to Atiku, the case involved forfeiture proceedings concerning funds held in accounts linked to Tinubu and associated companies. He cited allegations contained in the proceedings and said approximately $460,000 was eventually forfeited to the US government.

Atiku, however, acknowledged in his statement that he was not claiming Tinubu was legally barred from entering the United States. He said the Presidency had not announced any such restriction.

He nevertheless asked whether Tinubu’s past legal history or any other legal, diplomatic, medical or personal issue had contributed to his repeated absence from the UNGA.

Atiku also criticised what he described as a contrast between Tinubu’s domestic political image and his absence from major international engagements, arguing that Nigeria’s global standing was being diminished.

He called on the Presidency to state unequivocally whether the President was free to travel to the United States and disclose the reason for his absence from the 2026 UNGA.

“If there is no impediment, the Presidency must explain this serial absenteeism. If an impediment exists, Nigerians have a right to know,” Atiku said.

He maintained that Nigeria’s diplomatic influence, economic interests and international reputation should not be subordinated to the President’s personal circumstances.

Tinubu has directed Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st UNGA, where the Vice President is expected to deliver the country’s national statement and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements.

The allegations and questions raised by Atiku were contained in his statement. The material provided does not include a response from the Presidency to his latest demands.