₦airaland Forum

TINUBU’S THIRD STRAIGHT UNGA ABSENCE: NIGERIA MUST NOT PAY FOR HIS AMERICAN BAGGAGE — ATIKU
Atiku Abubakar
@atiku
·
A seat was reportedly secured for Bola near United States President Donald Trump at the world’s most important annual diplomatic gathering. Yet, for the third consecutive year, Tinubu refused to occupy it.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has demanded a full explanation from President Tinubu over his repeated absence from the United Nations General Assembly, asking whether the President’s documented history with United States law-enforcement agencies has become a burden on Nigeria’s foreign relations.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Mr Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said Tinubu stayed away from the 79th UNGA session in 2024, the 80th in 2025 and now the 81st in 2026, repeatedly sending Vice President Kashim Shettima to stand in for him.
He said three consecutive absences could no longer be dismissed as coincidence or routine delegation but constituted a pattern of presidential evasion requiring an honest explanation.

“The United Nations General Assembly is one of the world’s most important diplomatic gatherings. It brings together the representatives of the UN’s 193 member states and provides a unique platform for presidents and prime ministers to defend their countries’ interests, negotiate partnerships and shape global decisions on trade, security and development,” Atiku said.

“Vice President Shettima may represent Nigeria capably, but representation by delegation cannot permanently substitute for the personal authority, visibility and responsibility of the President.
“Tinubu cannot continue to treat Nigeria’s seat at the world’s biggest diplomatic table as though it were an inconvenient appointment that can be endlessly outsourced.

“Presidential absence on the global stage has consequences. UNGA is not merely a ceremonial gathering or an annual photo opportunity. Its sidelines are where leaders hold decisive bilateral meetings, court investors, negotiate trade partnerships, mobilise development finance and make the case for their countries.

“When a President makes himself absent from that stage for three consecutive years, his country loses opportunities. Investment does not follow silence. International capital does not pursue a country whose leader repeatedly abandons the room in which consequential economic relationships are being built.

“The cost is eventually transferred to ordinary citizens: fewer investments mean fewer businesses and fewer jobs. Reduced capital inflows place additional pressure on the local currency. A weaker naira raises the cost of imports, production, transportation and food. These are among the economic pressures now punishing Nigerian families through the worst cost-of-living crisis in living memory.

“Tinubu may consider attending UNGA a matter of personal prerogative, but the economic and diplomatic consequences of his absence are being paid by Nigerians. A President may surrender his seat, but a nation cannot escape the bill.”

Atiku described as extraordinary the reported announcement by Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, that he had secured Tinubu a seat “not too far from where the US President, Donald Trump, will be seated.”

“The seat was secured, but the President disappeared,” Atiku said.
“If proximity to President Trump was considered such a diplomatic achievement, why did Tinubu abandon the opportunity and send his deputy? Why celebrate securing a strategic seat for the President when the President had no intention of occupying it?

“That contradiction becomes even more scandalous when Nigerians remember that Tinubu’s administration committed up to $9 million of Nigeria’s scarce foreign exchange to American lobbyists supposedly hired to improve its standing before the government and people of the United States.

“What exactly did Nigerians purchase with that money? Why spend millions of dollars lobbying Washington while Tinubu repeatedly stays away from New York? Why hire lobbyists to speak for Nigeria in America when the Nigerian President cannot summon the courage to appear at the world’s biggest diplomatic gathering on American soil?

“Did the lobbyists fail, or is Tinubu’s American baggage simply too heavy for any public-relations firm to carry?”

Atiku said the President’s persistent avoidance of the United States inevitably invites troubling questions.

*“Is Tinubu afraid that he could become Donald Trump’s next Nicolás Maduro* ?

“Is he haunted by the controversies surrounding his American academic claims and his documented drug-related forfeiture history?

“Is this the kind of President Nigeria deserves — one who projects bravado at home but appears terrified of scrutiny abroad?”

Atiku said these questions were legitimate because of Case No. 93 C 4483 before the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, in which the United States government instituted forfeiture proceedings concerning funds held in multiple accounts in the name of Bola Tinubu and associated companies.

He noted that the verified complaint was brought under federal laws governing the forfeiture of assets that were connected to narcotics trafficking and money laundering.

“The complaint stated that the funds represented proceeds of narcotics trafficking and money laundering,” Atiku said.

“A supporting sworn affidavit by an Internal Revenue Service criminal-investigation agent similarly stated that funds in accounts controlled by Bola Tinubu were connected to drug-trafficking proceeds. The proceedings eventually resulted in the forfeiture of approximately $460,000 to the United States government.”

“Nigerians are therefore entitled to ask whether Tinubu’s three consecutive UNGA absences have anything to do with this documented American history.

“We are not asserting that Tinubu is legally prohibited from entering the United States. The Presidency has announced no such restriction. But if no legal, diplomatic, medical or personal impediment exists, why has Tinubu repeatedly avoided the UNGA since 2024?

“Is he afraid of renewed scrutiny? Is he uncomfortable appearing on American soil amid continuing public interest in the narcotics drug related forfeiture proceedings? Has one man’s personal history become a burden on Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement?”

Atiku said Tinubu’s conduct presented a glaring contrast between the image he cultivated at home and the timidity he displayed on the international stage.

“So why is Tinubu eternally paranoid about the global podium, especially when that podium stands in the United States?

“Here is a President who professes tigritude at home, draped in an assortment of aliases, including ‘Jagaban,’ the leader of warriors in the Borgu Emirate, and ‘Asiwaju,’ the one who supposedly leads from the front, but who becomes a whimpering, lily-livered and timid chicken on the global stage.

“Nigeria’s foreign standing has never been more miniaturised. Under Tinubu, the country rarely features prominently in continental leadership, the Commonwealth or world affairs.

“His government deployed Nigerian fighter jets and troops to Benin Republic following the December 2025 attempted coup while bandits, terrorists and freelance criminals continued to terrorise Nigerians at home.
“Nigeria could project military power across its border, yet its President could not project Nigeria’s voice from its seat at the United Nations. That contradiction is humiliating.”

Atiku demanded that the Presidency state unequivocally whether Tinubu was free to travel to the United States and disclose the real reason for his third consecutive UNGA absence.

“If there is no impediment, the Presidency must explain this serial absenteeism. If an impediment exists, Nigerians have a right to know,” he said.

“Nigeria is bigger than Bola. Our diplomatic influence, economic interests and international reputation must not be subordinated to Tinubu’s American baggage.

“After committing up to $9 million to American lobbyists, Nigerians deserve more than silence, evasions and another empty presidential seat at the United Nations.

“Is this the kind of President Nigeria deserves?
“Mr Bola, your seat was reportedly secured near President Donald Trump. Why did you refuse to occupy it?

“What exactly are you afraid of in America?”

Signed:
Phrank Shaibu
Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku Abubakar, Vice President of Nigeria 1999-2007 and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress.
20th September,2026.

Yari baa people will say you don't have respect or tribalistic for asking questions as a concerned citizen

I am glad it’s about the absence of His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) and not about the absence of Nigeria!

We have always sent representatives and our country has never missed out or lost in the aims and objectives of the union.

Documented history? Should we revisit it? Same documented history that prosecuted and dismissed all charges against him? Are we in same page of history?

His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) never fled the US. He spent good quality time on research and political struggle afterwards. So what history are we talking about?

Atiku’s camp should focus more on drawing a cat-fish farming business plan for their master instead of throwing low jabs that hold no weight.

I am quite aware their survival depends on how much they can fool Abubakar, but should always remember that the wages of sin is death.

Cease and desist from taking advantage of Atiku Abubakar!

You pipu away just too extremely funny. Some country never attended that useless UNGA and heave didn't fall.

Pls tell me the usefulness of UNGA that can't stop Putin from total elimination of Ukraine?

Tell me the usefulness of UNGA that can't stop Trump from land grabbing and bullying?

Tell me the usefulness of UNGA that can't dare N. Korea leader?

The list is so long.

Grow up stop attaching nonsense applaud to rubbish toothless stunt called UNGA crap.

Chucks13:
You pipu away just too extremely funny. Some country never attended that useless UNGA and heave didn't fall.

Pls tell me the usefulness of UNGA that can't stop Putin from total elimination of Ukraine?

Tell me the usefulness of UNGA that can't stop Trump from land grabbing and bullying?

Tell me the usefulness of UNGA that can't dare N. Korea leader?

The list is so long.

Grow up stop attaching nonsense applaud to rubbish toothless stunt called UNGA crap.

God bless your Mother!

It has, he is scared of embrassment

VP Shettima will be representing Nigeria. Anyone who want to rant about that should be allowed to do so

I am pleased that Tinubu stayed away from such.

"Tinubu will be sitting on Donald Trump's lap at the UNGA"

- APC lackey

LordIsaac:
I am pleased that Tinubu stayed away from such.

Otherwise, it would have been embarrassing to have your president bundled away by Trump. He who lives to run away, lives to run away another day.

helinues:
VP Shettima will be representing Nigeria. Anyone who want to rant about that should be allowed to do so

You better tell shettima to avoid talking about Israel, Palestine and Gaza issues.

The last time wey he talk am last year UNGA, trump remind Nigeria next month about the Christian genocide that has been happening.

That thing put Tinubu under pressure only for him to start lobbying left and right to sort himself out.

The worst president of Nigeria so far

stanluiz:
You better tell shettima to avoid talking about Israel, Palestine and Gaza issues.

The last time wey he talk am last year UNGA, trump remind Nigeria next month about the Christian genocide that has been happening.

That thing put Tinubu under pressure only for him to start lobbying left and right to sort himself out.

Trump might be bullying other countries but he can't bully Nigeria. He was alone after making the christian persecution accusations as reasonable countries defended Nigeria and stand by us

Chucks13:
You pipu away just too extremely funny. Some country never attended that useless UNGA and heave didn't fall.

Pls tell me the usefulness of UNGA that can't stop Putin from total elimination of Ukraine?

Tell me the usefulness of UNGA that can't stop Trump from land grabbing and bullying?

Tell me the usefulness of UNGA that can't dare N. Korea leader?

The list is so long.

Grow up stop attaching nonsense applaud to rubbish toothless stunt called UNGA crap.

All of a sudden you are now comparing your country with N Korea all in a bid to defend rubbish ?


Do you even know that till today, NK is yet to recognise America as a country and has zero relation with US ?
Can you say the same with Nigeria to rely on America for survival ?

Just one sanction from US then you are done as a country.

Chucks13:
You pipu away just too extremely funny. Some country never attended that useless UNGA and heave didn't fall.

Pls tell me the usefulness of UNGA that can't stop Putin from total elimination of Ukraine?

Tell me the usefulness of UNGA that can't stop Trump from land grabbing and bullying?

Tell me the usefulness of UNGA that can't dare N. Korea leader?

The list is so long.

Grow up stop attaching nonsense applaud to rubbish toothless stunt called UNGA crap.

All of a sudden you are now comparing your country with N Korea all in a bid to defend rubbish ?


Do you even know that till today, NK is yet to recognise America as a super power country and has zero relation with US ?
Can you say the same with Nigeria with Nigeria that rely on America for survival ?

Just one sanction from US then you are done as a country.

Ezeama400:
All of a sudden you are now comparing your country with N Korea all in a bid to defend rubbish ?


Do you even know that till today, NK is yet to recognise America as a country and has zero relation with US ?
Can you say the same with Nigeria to rely on America for survival ?

Just one sanction from US then you are done as a country.

You are not making any sense pls go to your bed and stop embarrassing yourself talking nonsense.

Chucks13:
You are not making any sense pls go to your bed and stop embarrassing yourself talking nonsense.

You are the one talking nonsense for thinking that everyone shares same time zone with you..

Awon North Korea. 😂

AMINDA:
Otherwise, it would have been embarrassing to have your president bundled away by Trump. He who lives to run away, lives to run away another day.

By who? You guys really are lost.

Bola is not as bold and courageous as he claims to be.

Is better he didn't attempt to attend, or else, he would have been chipped off by the American FBI 😁😁

We've never had a president so petrified about going to America, have we?

Children, learn from this man and strive to do good in your youth, because it all comes back around in the end.

His is a cautionary tale

treesun:
Signed:
Phrank Shaibu
Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku Abubakar, Vice President of Nigeria 1999-2007 and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress.
20th September,2026.

Atiku has been hitting repeatedly hard...and Bulaba has clearly lost his strut😋

The Kaduna mafia might actually be cooking something hot 🔥 for Bourdillon road festival

Sirianese:
Atiku has been hitting repeatedly hard...and Bulaba has clearly lost his strut😋

The Kaduna mafia might actually be cooking something hot 🔥 for Bourdillon road festival

The Kaduna mafia wey no fit help their son El-Rufai?

My dear former vice president; do you want to send a man that is incoherent to united States? He cannot speak coherently for 5 minutes and neither can he stand for 5 minutes. I don't want to talk about his file in Chicago.

treesun:
Signed:
Phrank Shaibu
Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku Abubakar, Vice President of Nigeria 1999-2007 and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress.
20th September,2026.

Wike and co just packaged criminal give nigeria.

Absolutely! It's a fantastic opportunity for a nuanced discussion about the future of global relations. Let’s delve into it!

Abi o
What has been the effect or the usefulness of the convention?
Nothing.
if US will arrest the president, I am very sure that they won't stoop so low to arrest him if he attends the convention.
if US wants to arrest the president, he doesn't need to visit USA to do that, Madura was arrested in his country.
US arrest was not because of Madura offense, it was simply because of Thier resources. why can't he be replaced through the will of the people in Venezuela since his arrest. why are then the one selling Thier crude oil?

HacheNoire:
I am glad it’s about the absence of His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) and not about the absence of Nigeria!

We have always sent representatives and our country has never missed out or lost in the aims and objectives of the union.

Documented history? Should we revisit it? Same documented history that prosecuted and dismissed all charges against him? Are we in same page of history?

His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) never fled the US. He spent good quality time on research and political struggle afterwards. So what history are we talking about?

Atiku’s camp should focus more on drawing a cat-fish farming business plan for their master instead of throwing low jabs that hold no weight.

I am quite aware their survival depends on how much they can fool Abubakar, but should always remember that the wages of sin is death.

Cease and desist from taking advantage of Atiku Abubakar!

Donald Trump can do the unthinkable if Tinubu makes the daring attempt to enter the US even under diplomatic immunity

I once again hail Phrank Shaibu. Man is well learned and sagacious. Now this is opposition.

[quote author=HacheNoire post=140698079

]I am glad it’s about the absence of His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) and not about the absence of Nigeria!

Where is the sense in being glad over nothing, when a Boss attend a meeting himself you think its same outcome as when he sends a staff ... You must be very naive, the truth here is Nigeria as being under represented as Shettima is very limited to act

We have always sent representatives and our country has never missed out or lost in the aims and objectives of the union.

Can you just stop with the pathetic lies, yet people like you call Obi name you are even worst. Must you lie !
Since '99 obasanjo, yaradua, jonathan, even Buhari attended UNGA in person
Shut the hell up .. I tag evidence

Documented history? Should we revisit it? Same documented history that prosecuted and dismissed all charges against him? Are we in same page of history?

You can bring up all the diversions you want But hope you know drug trafficking & bribery dont carry the same penalty ...Atiku will kum out of jail b4 Tinubu in the United state

I deleted the other nonsense you wrote cos We apc are also lookin for diversions from relevant issues

Why is Tinubu running/dodging UNGA ...a whole jagaban dey fear

Coming from a U.S. fugitive?