Peter Obi questions Tinubu’s absence from UNGA, praises Ghana’s Mahama

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has questioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, while praising Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama for what he described as a remarkable address.

In a statement titled “Where Is Nigeria’s President?”, published on Sunday and republished on his verified Facebook page on Monday, Obi said Nigeria should be represented by its President at major international gatherings, particularly when the country faces significant domestic and international challenges.

He questioned Tinubu’s absence from the UNGA for three consecutive sessions, arguing that Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous country, should play a stronger leadership role on the global stage.

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Obi acknowledged that Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the 81st UNGA but maintained that Tinubu’s continued absence raised questions about presidential representation at the annual gathering of world leaders.

The NDC candidate contrasted Nigeria’s absence at the presidential level with Mahama’s participation, describing the Ghanaian leader’s address as an example of what effective leadership could achieve.

According to Obi, Mahama’s speech demonstrated the importance of competence, capacity, compassion, commitment and character in national leadership.

He said Nigeria’s President “ought to be representing the country and providing leadership for Africa at the international level”, and questioned why Tinubu had not attended any of the last three UNGA sessions.

Obi also called on Nigerians to pray for the President’s return and leadership in addressing the challenges confronting the country.

The Federal Government has said Tinubu mandated Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st UNGA and deliver the country’s national statement.