The Federal Government has clarified President Bola Tinubu’s decision not to attend the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, saying Vice President Kashim Shettima is representing him and leading Nigeria’s delegation.
In a statement signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Monday, the government said Nigeria would be fully represented throughout the high-level session.
Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements with world leaders, international organisations and development partners.
The government said the Vice President is acting with the full mandate of the President and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
It added that Shettima’s engagements would focus on Nigeria’s priorities, including peace and security, economic development, climate action, reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development and international cooperation.
The clarification followed public reactions to Tinubu’s absence, including comments by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who called for an explanation of the President’s non-attendance.
The Federal Government said Tinubu is currently on annual leave, adding that his decision to delegate the Vice President to lead Nigeria’s delegation was neither unusual nor a diminution of the country’s diplomatic standing.
It also criticised what it described as speculation about the President’s absence, urging political actors to distinguish between legitimate political debate and unverified claims.
“Political opposition and robust public debate are legitimate features of democracy. However, speculation should not be presented to Nigerians or the international community as established fact,” the statement said.
The government also reaffirmed Nigeria’s longstanding relationship with the United States, covering trade and investment, security cooperation, energy, democratic institutions, regional stability and people-to-people ties.
It urged Nigerians and the media to distinguish between verified information, political opinion and unsubstantiated speculation.
“Nigeria will be fully represented in New York. Nigeria’s interests will be vigorously advanced. And the work of strengthening the country’s relationships with its international partners will continue,” the statement concluded.
The State House has previously confirmed that Tinubu began a three-week annual leave on August 30, 2026.
