"Where is the President?" Peter Obi Queries President Tinubu’s Prolonged Absence

Peter Obi has raised concerns over the physical absence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from key national and international platforms, questioning his whereabouts following the President's failure to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

In a public statement issued on Monday, September 28, 2026, Obi drew comparisons between Nigeria's diplomatic posture and that of neighboring West African nations after viewing an address by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama.

Obi pointed out that President Tinubu has missed three consecutive UNGA summits since assuming office, stressing that Vice President Kashim Shettima’s presence as delegation head does not replace the requirement for direct executive leadership during severe domestic socio-economic challenges. President Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 for a planned three-week working vacation in Europe, with his return date subsequently extended by the Presidency.

“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?... Although our Vice President, Kashim Shettima, was present, the question remains: Where is the President? Let us continue to pray for his return and for his leadership in addressing the many challenges confronting the nation.”
— Peter Obi

Responding to the criticism, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga pushed back against the opposition's claims, stating that President Tinubu remains "hale and hearty" and is fully entitled to his working vacation. Onanuga affirmed that modern digital governance enables the President to execute his official duties seamlessly from anywhere in the world, adding that Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

What are your thoughts on Peter Obi’s remarks regarding presidential visibility during international summits? Drop your comments below!

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