An X account identified as Real MaziTundeEdnut has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his decision not to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, while making unverified claims about the reason for his absence.
The account, @HonestNarrativ, described Tinubu’s decision as disappointing and alleged, without providing evidence, that issues involving the President and United States authorities were responsible for his absence.
The post also claimed that Tinubu’s alleged FBI drug files prevented him from attending the UNGA. No evidence was provided in the post to substantiate that claim, and it has not been independently established.
The verified development is that Tinubu has mandated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st UNGA in New York.
The Presidency announced the decision on September 20, 2026, with Shettima subsequently arriving in New York to lead the Nigerian delegation.
The 81st UNGA General Debate is scheduled for September 22 to 28, under the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement and participate in high-level and bilateral meetings covering issues including economic development, climate finance, international cooperation and reform of the global financial system.
The X post also referenced Tinubu's attendance at previous UN General Assembly sessions.
Available reports confirm that Tinubu attended the 78th UNGA in 2023, but did not personally attend the 79th session in 2024 or the 80th session in 2025. Shettima represented Nigeria at both of those sessions and is doing so again in 2026.
However, the claim that Tinubu was “smuggled” into the 2023 UNGA or was instructed to “take back seats” is not established by the sources reviewed.
The Presidency has specifically rejected suggestions that Tinubu's absence from the 2026 UNGA is linked to restrictions by US authorities.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, Ademola Osodi, said there was “absolutely no impediment” preventing Tinubu from travelling to the United States.
Osodi pointed to Tinubu’s previous travel to the US, including his attendance at the UNGA in 2023, as evidence against claims that the President is restricted from entering the country. He described the suggestion as an “old chestnut” and attributed it to political speculation.
Tinubu’s decision not to personally attend the 81st UNGA has also attracted criticism from opposition figures.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has demanded an explanation for the President’s third consecutive absence, questioning whether issues involving Tinubu’s history with US authorities could have affected Nigeria’s international engagement. Atiku's comments are similarly political claims and do not establish that any US restriction exists.
Meanwhile, the Presidency maintains that Tinubu’s absence will not diminish Nigeria’s diplomatic role, stressing that the country will be represented by a high-level delegation led by Shettima.
With Shettima now in New York, the Nigerian delegation is expected to participate fully in the week-long UNGA engagements, while the President’s decision to remain away from the gathering continues to generate political debate.
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