The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has questioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s absence from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), asking, “Where is Nigeria’s President?”
Obi raised the question while reacting to the address delivered by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama at the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
Describing Mahama’s address as “remarkable,” Obi said the Ghanaian leader’s performance had earned commendation from the international community and demonstrated what effective leadership could achieve when “competence, capacity, compassion, commitment and character” are brought together in service to a nation.
Against this backdrop, Obi questioned the absence of Nigeria’s President from the global gathering, noting that Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country, with more than 200 million people.
“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?” Obi asked.
According to him, the Nigerian President ought to be representing the country and providing leadership for Africa at the international level.
“Where is he, particularly at a time when the country faces significant challenges, both domestically and internationally?” he asked.
Obi acknowledged that Vice President Kashim Shettima was present at the UNGA but said questions remained about the President’s absence.
“Although our Vice President, Kashim Shettima, was present, the question remains: Where is the President?” he stated.
He added, “Let us continue to pray for his return and for his leadership in addressing the many challenges confronting the nation.”
Obi concluded his statement with his familiar political message: “A new Nigeria is POssible.”
