The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his absence from the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, on Monday, the party described Tinubu’s absence as his third consecutive failure to attend the global gathering since he assumed office in 2023.
The NDC said Nigerians had previously been informed that Tinubu would attend the UNGA before the Presidency announced on September 20 that Vice President Kashim Shettima had been mandated to lead Nigeria’s delegation.
The Presidency said Shettima would represent Tinubu at the General Assembly, deliver Nigeria’s national statement and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements with world leaders, international organisations and development partners.
The party also questioned Tinubu’s more than three-week absence from Nigeria, alleging that the situation had created a governance vacuum.
It further accused the President of failing to comply with Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, which, according to the party, requires a written declaration to be transmitted to the National Assembly when the President proceeds on vacation or is otherwise unable to discharge his functions.
The NDC also criticised Tinubu’s absence from what it described as an important opportunity for direct diplomatic and economic engagements with other world leaders.
“A nation of over 200 million people cannot be run by delegation and press release. Nigeria deserves a President who is present,” the party said.
The party called for the immediate disclosure of Tinubu’s whereabouts and health status, compliance with Section 145 of the Constitution and an end to what it described as “informal, unconstitutional rule from abroad.”
The NDC also questioned the Presidency’s explanation that Tinubu could not travel to New York “to speak for just 15 minutes”, arguing that UNGA offers opportunities for high-level diplomatic engagements beyond formal speeches.
At the 81st UNGA, Shettima delivered a national statement on behalf of Tinubu and participated in several high-level engagements. He returned to Nigeria on September 28 after leading the Nigerian delegation.
