Nigeria can’t be run by delegation and press release – NDC blasts Tinubu

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has sharply criticised President Bola Tinubu for skipping the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, marking his third consecutive absence from the global forum since assuming office in 2023.

The NDC highlighted that Nigerians were initially told Tinubu would attend the UNGA, only for the Presidency to announce on September 20 that Vice President Kashim Shettima would lead Nigeria’s delegation instead.

The opposition party raised alarms over Tinubu’s prolonged absence from Nigeria, which it claims has lasted more than three weeks, creating what it calls a “governance vacuum.” It pointed to Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates that the President must submit a written declaration to the National Assembly whenever he is away from the country.

It stressed that the platform provides critical opportunities for direct diplomatic engagements, economic partnerships, and strategic dialogues with world leaders—opportunities that, according to the NDC, are being missed under the current leadership.

A nation of over 200 million people cannot be run by delegation and press release. Nigeria deserves a President who is present.