Where Is The President? — Obi Queries Tinubu’s Third UNGA Absence

Former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s continued absence from the United Nations General Assembly, asking, “Where is the President?”

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Obi raised the question in a statement posted on X on Sunday, September 27, 2026, while reacting to Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama’s participation in the 81st UN General Assembly in New York.

Mahama addressed the UN General Assembly on September 24, where he spoke on issues including global governance, inequality, geopolitical tensions and the need to restore trust in multilateral institutions.

Obi said Mahama’s appearance at the global gathering demonstrated what he described as the value of competent and committed leadership, arguing that Ghana’s participation offered a contrast to Nigeria’s presidential absence.

He subsequently questioned why the Nigerian president had not attended the UNGA for three consecutive years, despite Nigeria’s status as Africa’s most populous country.

“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?” Obi asked.

Tinubu attended the 78th UN General Assembly in 2023 but did not personally attend the 79th session in 2024 or the 80th in 2025. 

Vice President Kashim Shettima represented him at both gatherings and was again delegated to lead Nigeria’s team to the 81st UNGA in 2026.

The Federal Government has defended the arrangement, saying Tinubu mandated Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria’s delegation. 

Shettima has participated in high-level meetings and delivered Nigeria’s national statement at the ongoing assembly.

Obi, however, argued that the president should personally provide leadership for Nigeria at major international gatherings, particularly amid challenges confronting the country.

He also acknowledged Shettima’s presence at the UN but maintained that questions remained over Tinubu’s absence.

“Although our Vice President, Kashim Shettima, was present, the question remains: Where is the President?” Obi said.

The former governor urged Nigerians to continue praying for Tinubu’s return and for stronger leadership in tackling the country’s domestic and international challenges.

He concluded his statement with his familiar political message: “A new Nigeria is POssible.”