A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to explain his repeated absence from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Eze, in a statement issued on Monday, September 28, 2026, questioned why Tinubu has not personally attended the UNGA since assuming office, with Vice President Kashim Shettima representing Nigeria at the global gathering.
According to the ADC chieftain, the President’s continued absence from the annual diplomatic forum raises questions about Nigeria’s visibility and engagement on the international stage.
He argued that the UNGA provides an important platform for world leaders to strengthen bilateral relations, attract investment and advance their countries’ interests on global issues.
Eze also questioned the circumstances surrounding Tinubu’s decision to remain away from the 2026 UNGA, particularly amid the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s relationship with the United States.
He referenced reports of lobbying activities and proposed Nigeria-US engagements, asking why the President would not personally participate in a major international gathering where several world leaders were expected to meet.
The ADC chieftain further drew attention to the controversy surrounding U.S. law-enforcement records connected to historical investigations involving Tinubu, noting that recent legal proceedings have involved requests for the release of FBI and DEA records.
However, the statement acknowledged that the Presidency has maintained that the matter concerns a civil Freedom of Information Act records dispute and that no U.S. court has found Tinubu guilty of criminal wrongdoing.
Eze said the Presidency should provide Nigerians with clear information to prevent speculation over the reasons behind the President’s absence.
He also contrasted Tinubu’s decision with that of French President Emmanuel Macron, who received Tinubu in Paris on September 18 before travelling to New York for the UNGA.
According to Eze, Nigeria’s participation in international diplomacy should involve direct presidential engagement where necessary, rather than relying repeatedly on delegation.
He stressed that while the Vice President is constitutionally empowered to represent the President, the repeated absence of the President from UNGA deserved public explanation.
Eze subsequently challenged the Presidency to clarify whether the meetings and diplomatic engagements reportedly expected around the UNGA were secured and whether the proposed Nigeria-US mining arrangement was progressing as announced.
He maintained that the issue should be viewed from the perspective of Nigeria’s international interests, transparency and accountability rather than partisan politics.
Eze concluded by asking the Presidency to explain why President Tinubu has stayed away from UNGA and reassure Nigerians that the country’s diplomatic and international interests remain adequately protected.
