The Obidient Movement, a political support group backing the presidential candidacy of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to explain to Nigerians why he chose not to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
The group questioned the President’s decision to remain in Europe while global leaders gathered in New York for the high-level session of the UN General Assembly, which began on September 22, 2026.
In a statement issued by its Media and Communications Directorate, the movement expressed concern over what it described as the contrast between Tinubu’s continued stay in France and the participation of other world leaders at the global diplomatic gathering.
Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for a three-week annual leave in Europe, beginning in London before proceeding to Paris. The Presidency later announced that he had extended his working vacation by a few days and was expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend.
During his stay in Paris, Tinubu met French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré. The State House also confirmed that Macron received Tinubu for a private dinner at the Élysée Palace on September 18.
The Obidient Movement argued that the President’s decision to remain in France rather than personally attend UNGA raised questions about Nigeria’s representation at an important international forum.
The statement said: “The decision by Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu to once again stay away from the United States and the United Nations General Assembly misses serious questions that the Nigerian Government must answer.”
According to the group, the Presidency had explained that Tinubu was on annual leave and that his attention remained focused on domestic priorities, including the economy and security.
However, the movement questioned why the President could undertake an extended European trip and participate in engagements in France but would not personally represent Nigeria at the United Nations.
The group particularly referenced Tinubu’s private dinner with Macron, asking why the President could attend such an engagement while choosing not to participate personally in the UNGA.
The controversy over Tinubu’s absence has generated responses from the Federal Government. The Presidency said the President’s decision was based on his annual leave and stressed that Vice-President Kashim Shettima had been mandated to represent him and lead Nigeria’s delegation at the UNGA. Shettima is scheduled to deliver Nigeria’s national statement and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements.
The Presidency has also rejected suggestions that Tinubu’s absence was connected to any restriction on his ability to travel to the United States. Presidential officials said Nigeria’s diplomatic interests would continue to be represented through the Vice-President and the country’s delegation.
The Obidient Movement, however, maintained that Nigerians were entitled to question the President’s decision, particularly given the importance of UNGA as a platform where heads of government discuss global political, economic, security and development issues.
The group called for greater transparency from the administration regarding the circumstances surrounding Tinubu’s absence, arguing that Nigerians deserved clear explanations about the President’s international engagements and priorities.
The 81st UN General Assembly is expected to bring together world leaders and senior government representatives for discussions on international cooperation, peace and security, sustainable development and other global challenges. Nigeria is represented at the gathering by Vice-President Shettima, who is expected to present the country’s national statement on September 24.
