The Media Adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the high-level meeting of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
In a social media post on Friday, September 26, 2025, Ibe questioned the President’s commitment to international diplomacy, especially given Nigeria’s status on the world stage.
Ibe noted that President Tinubu has now bypassed the “all-important UNGA” for two consecutive years, a contrast to his predecessor, the late President Muhammadu Buhari, who personally attended the meeting eight times during his tenure.
He argued that this repeated absence from the world’s largest gathering of global leaders is deeply concerning, particularly as Nigeria has yet to replace the Ambassadors in its over 100 missions—including the mission to the UN—following their recall two years ago.
Ibe wrote, “Why has President Bola Tinubu stayed away from attending the Heads of State and Government Meeting at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The late President Muhammadu Buhari personally attended the meetings 8 times during his 8 years tenure. It should, therefore, be concerning that in the last two consecutive years, President @officialABAT, has abdicated the responsibility of attending the all-important UNGA.”
The 2025 UN General Assembly, themed “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights,” commenced its high-level General Debate on Tuesday, September 23, and runs until September 29.
The Assembly marks the 80th anniversary of the UN and is a crucial platform for heads of state and government to address intertwined global challenges, reform multilateralism, and renew commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Vice President Kashim Shettima led Nigeria’s delegation in President Tinubu’s stead, delivering the country’s national statement.
Ibe emphasized the diplomatic significance of the President’s personal attendance by referencing a quote from a broadcast special: “presence is power while absence is noticed.”
The statement concluded with a stark warning that as long as the President is not physically present at the global table, Nigeria risks being viewed as “on the menu,” suggesting a loss of influence and a diminished capacity to negotiate the country’s best interests.
The critique positions Tinubu’s decision as a foreign policy vacuum at a pivotal moment for global cooperation. See, More, Here>>>>
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