Tinubu Skips 81st UNGA as Shettima Leads Nigeria Delegation Amid Constitutional Debate

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York in person, with Vice President Kashim Shettima mandated to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the global gathering. The Presidency confirmed the decision after weeks of uncertainty over whether Tinubu would attend.

Shettima arrived in New York to represent the President and is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate, which runs from September 22 to 28 under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.” The delegation includes Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior officials.

The decision follows Tinubu’s extended working vacation in Europe. The Presidency announced on Monday that the President had extended his stay by a few days and was expected back in Nigeria at the weekend. Tinubu left the country on August 30 and has since undertaken engagements in the United Kingdom and France.

The President’s absence has attracted political criticism because this is the third consecutive UN General Assembly at which Shettima has represented him. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has questioned whether the constitutional procedure for transferring presidential functions was followed during Tinubu’s extended absence from Nigeria.

Atiku and others have pointed to Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, which provides for a written declaration by the President when he proceeds on vacation or is otherwise unable to perform his functions. They have questioned whether such a declaration was transmitted to the National Assembly and what constitutional arrangement applies while both Tinubu and Shettima are outside Nigeria.

Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has similarly argued that the simultaneous absence of the President and Vice President raises constitutional questions. Speaking on Channels Television, Effiong described the situation as a “brazen violation” of the Constitution and called on the National Assembly to address the issue. His position is a legal opinion and has not been established as a judicial finding.

The Federal Government has rejected suggestions that Nigeria is without effective leadership. Information Minister Mohammed Idris said Shettima carries the President’s full mandate at the UN and that Tinubu remains on annual leave. The government said the Vice President’s participation would advance Nigeria’s interests on economic development, climate action, peace and security, international cooperation and reform of the global financial system.

The Presidency has also maintained that Tinubu continues to direct government affairs while abroad. With Shettima now in New York, the debate has shifted from the President’s UNGA attendance to the constitutional arrangements governing presidential authority during the simultaneous absence of Nigeria’s two highest-ranking elected officials.