Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, while praising Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama for his participation at the global gathering.
Obi made the comments in a statement posted on his X account, where he contrasted Mahama’s participation in the UNGA with Tinubu’s absence.
Mahama attended the 81st UNGA and delivered Ghana’s national statement on September 24, according to the Ghana News Agency.
Obi described Mahama’s address as a demonstration of what effective leadership could achieve, highlighting what he described as the importance of competence, capacity, compassion, commitment and character in governance.
“The international community has commended his leadership and the substance of his address. It is a reminder of what leadership can produce when competence, capacity, compassion, commitment and character come together in the service of a nation,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor subsequently questioned why Tinubu was not personally present at the UN gathering, noting Nigeria’s population and its position as Africa’s most populous country.
“Against this background, many are asking: Where is the President of Africa’s most populous nation, a country of more than 200 million people – more than Ghana – whose leader has been absent from the global stage for three consecutive UNGAs?” he asked.
Obi argued that Nigeria’s President should be representing the country and providing leadership on the international stage, particularly amid challenges confronting the nation.
“Nigeria’s President, who ought to be representing the country and providing leadership for Africa at the international level, has not attended any of these three global gatherings. Where is he, particularly at a time when the country faces significant challenges, both domestically and internationally?” he said.
However, Tinubu mandated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st UNGA. Shettima subsequently delivered Nigeria’s national statement and participated in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements in New York.
Obi acknowledged Shettima’s presence at the UNGA but maintained his question about the President’s absence.
“Although our Vice President, Kashim Shettima, was present, the question remains: Where is the President?” he said.
He concluded by calling for prayers for Tinubu’s return and leadership in addressing the country’s challenges.
“Let us continue to pray for his return and for his leadership in addressing the many challenges confronting the nation,” Obi said.
He ended the statement with his campaign slogan, saying: “A new Nigeria is POssible.”
