By Kazeem Waris
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, asking, “Where is Nigeria’s President?”
Obi raised the question on Sunday after watching an address by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama at the global gathering.
In a press statement issued by the Peter Obi Media Office and signed by its spokesman, Idris Zekeri, Obi said Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous country, should be represented at major international engagements.
“Where is the President?” Obi asked in a post on his X handle.
Obi said he was concerned by Tinubu’s absence at a time he described as a period of significant challenges for Nigeria, both domestically and internationally.
“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 asked.
The former Anambra State governor acknowledged that Vice-President Kashim Shettima was in New York representing Nigeria, but questioned the President’s absence.
“Although our Vice President, Kashim Shettima, was present, the question remains: where is the President?” Obi said.
The comments came against the backdrop of Tinubu’s extended working vacation in Europe. The President left Nigeria on August 30 for London as part of his annual leave, with the Presidency later announcing that his stay had been extended by a few days.
According to the Presidency, Tinubu remained in contact with officials at home and continued to direct government affairs while abroad. Shettima was assigned to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the UNGA.
Obi’s criticism followed his reaction to President Mahama’s address at the UN gathering.
He said Nigeria’s absence at the level of presidential representation was particularly noteworthy given the country’s size and influence on the continent.
Obi called on Nigerians to continue praying for Tinubu’s return and effective leadership in addressing the country’s challenges.
“Let us continue to pray for his return and for his leadership in addressing the many challenges confronting the nation,” he said.
He added: “Let us hope that a New Nigeria is possible and will be O-K.”
