The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his decision to extend his working vacation in Europe and skip the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
The opposition party argued that Tinubu’s absence came at a time when Nigeria was facing security and economic challenges that, in its view, required the President’s attention.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary of the Interim National Working Committee, Ini Ememobong, the PDP said the President should either be in Nigeria addressing domestic challenges or at the UNGA seeking international support for the country.
The party said Tinubu, having been elected and sworn into office, remained accountable to Nigerians and should expect questions over how he was discharging the responsibilities of his office.
The PDP also questioned why the President, who is currently in Europe, would not proceed to New York for the annual global gathering, describing UNGA as an important platform for Nigeria to engage world leaders and seek international cooperation.
Meanwhile, the Presidency has maintained that Tinubu is currently on annual leave and has continued to direct government affairs from abroad. It announced that the President had extended his working vacation by a few days and would return to Nigeria at the weekend.
Vice President Kashim Shettima is representing Tinubu at the 81st UNGA and arrived in New York on September 21 to lead Nigeria’s delegation. He is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements.
The Federal Government has defended the arrangement, saying Shettima carries the full mandate of the President and that Tinubu’s decision to send the Vice President does not diminish Nigeria’s diplomatic standing.
The 81st UNGA General Debate is scheduled for September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
The PDP, however, said the controversy surrounding Tinubu’s absence should remain part of the public conversation ahead of the next presidential election, urging Nigerians to consider the issue when making future electoral choices.
