Okonkwo questions Tinubu’s UNGA absence, links it to US concerns

Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesperson for the Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign, has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s decision not to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, alleging that the absence raises questions about the President’s relationship with the United States.

Okonkwo said Tinubu should have attended the high-level gathering personally, noting that this is the third consecutive year the President has not been physically present at the UNGA.

“He ought to be at the UNGA in person; he hasn’t been there for three consecutive years. A reasonable man should say he is hiding from the United States of America,” Okonkwo said.

The campaign spokesperson also referred to what he called “the Venezuela option”, suggesting a possible connection between Tinubu’s absence and concerns over US action against individuals accused of involvement in drug trafficking. He did not provide evidence establishing such a link.

Tinubu has mandated Vice-President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the UNGA and deliver the country’s national statement. The Federal Government said Shettima has full presidential authority to represent Nigeria and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements.

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The Presidency has also rejected suggestions that Tinubu’s absence is connected to any restriction on his travel to the United States, saying his non-attendance does not diminish Nigeria’s diplomatic standing.

Okonkwo’s comments came amid renewed political controversy over allegations concerning Tinubu’s past dealings with US authorities.

He also defended former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar over a separate controversy involving a foreign transaction, arguing that Atiku was not a party to the contract under discussion.

According to Okonkwo, $1.7 million transferred to Atiku’s wife in 2002 was intended for her upkeep and was unrelated to criminal activity.

“The money transferred was for the upkeep of his wife. Atiku was not invited because he was not a party to the contract,” he said.

Okonkwo further argued that the tribunal did not establish criminality against Atiku, maintaining that the timing of the transaction and the contract did not constitute evidence of wrongdoing.

His comments come as the 81st UNGA takes place in New York, where Shettima is representing Nigeria on behalf of Tinubu. The General Debate runs from September 22 to 28, 2026.