The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has questioned the continued absence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from major international engagements, asking Nigerians and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to explain the President’s whereabouts amid growing concerns over his prolonged stay outside the country.
According to the statement from the spokesperson of Peter Obi Media Reach, Idris Zekeri Jnr, the NDC President candidate raised the issue on Sunday in a post on his X handle after watching the address delivered by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States.
The former Anambra State governor said many Nigerians were concerned that the leader of Africa’s most populous nation had remained absent from the global stage, particularly at a time when the country was grappling with significant domestic and international challenges.
In the post, Obi commended Mahama’s presentation at the UNGA and contrasted it with what he described as the absence of Nigeria’s President from three consecutive sessions of the annual global gathering.
“Here is the remarkable address delivered by Ghana’s dynamic President, John Dramani Mahama, at the 81st UNGA. As the international community commends this distinguished leader, many are asking: Where is the President of Africa’s most populous nation, a country of more than 200 million people, whose leader has been absent from the global stage for three consecutive UNGAs?” Obi wrote.
According to him, Nigeria’s President ought to be playing a leading role in representing the country and the African continent at important international forums.
“Nigeria’s President, who ought to be representing and guiding the continent 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 queried.
Obi acknowledged the presence of Vice President Kashim Shettima at the UN General Assembly but insisted that questions remained about the President’s absence.
“Although our Vice President, Kashim Shettima, was present, the question remains: where is the President?” he stated.
The NDC presidential candidate further called on Nigerians to pray for the President and the country, expressing hope that the nation would overcome its current challenges.
“Let us continue to pray for his return and for his leadership in addressing the many challenges confronting the nation, but let us hope that a New Nigeria is possible and will be O-K,” Obi added.
President Tinubu had commenced a three-week working vacation in Europe on August 30, 2026, according to an earlier statement issued by the Presidency, which said the trip formed part of his annual leave.
However, the President has yet to resume duties publicly, fueling speculation and concerns among opposition figures and sections of the public over his prolonged absence from the country.
As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency had issued a statement stating that the President will return to the country on Tuesday ahead of the independence day celebration.
