Presidency Accuses Peter Obi of Pretending Not to Know Tinubu’s Whereabouts

The Presidency has accused the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of pretending to be unaware of President Bola Tinubu’s whereabouts following the President’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, made the allegation while reacting to comments surrounding Tinubu’s absence from the international gathering.

Onanuga noted that two other African leaders, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, were also absent from the UNGA but did not face similar public reactions in their countries.

In a post on X, Onanuga said Ramaphosa had withdrawn from public engagements, adding that there was no significant public outcry in Johannesburg and Pretoria over his absence.

He also pointed out that el-Sisi did not attend the meeting, arguing that the Egyptian leader’s absence did not generate comparable public criticism.

Onanuga said Tinubu had announced plans to take his annual break and had assigned Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him at the UNGA and handle official duties in his absence.

He further stated that Tinubu would return to Nigeria to participate in activities marking the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary and honour the late Chief Moshood Abiola.

According to the report, Tinubu is scheduled to return from Paris, France, on September 29, 2026, after a change to his initial travel schedule. He is expected to spend up to a week in Lagos before returning to Abuja.