The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused President Bola Tinubu of violating constitutional provisions over his prolonged absence from Nigeria and failure to attend the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, made the allegations in a statement issued on Monday, September 28, 2026, expressing what he described as the party’s “profound disappointment and grave concern” over the President’s absence from the annual gathering of world leaders.
The NDC noted that President Tinubu’s failure to attend UNGA for the third consecutive time since assuming office in 2023 raises questions about Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement and the President’s commitment to his constitutional responsibilities.
The party also questioned the circumstances surrounding the President’s prolonged stay outside the country, saying he left Nigeria on August 30 and extended his stay in Europe.
Citing Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the NDC alleged that the President failed to transmit the required written declaration to the National Assembly while away from the country.
The party argued that the constitutional provision requires the President to formally notify the National Assembly when proceeding on vacation or when otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office.
“The Constitution is clear,” the statement said, while questioning why, according to the party, the President had not formally transmitted power during his absence.
The NDC further criticised the decision for Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation to UNGA 81, arguing that the absence of the President could affect Nigeria’s ability to engage directly with other heads of government on diplomatic and economic matters.
The party maintained that UNGA provides an opportunity for high-level bilateral engagements on issues including foreign investment, debt, climate finance, and security cooperation, beyond the formal speeches delivered at the General Debate.
It also expressed concern that Nigeria could lose opportunities for direct presidential-level engagements at a time when the country is seeking greater international cooperation on economic and security challenges.
The NDC contrasted Nigeria’s absence with the participation of Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama at the UNGA, saying Ghana used the platform to articulate its positions on debt, climate-related issues, and multilateral cooperation.
The party equally criticised comments attributed to Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, concerning the length of the President’s speech at the General Assembly.
According to the NDC, the significance of UNGA extends beyond the duration of a president’s address, as much of the diplomatic engagement takes place through bilateral meetings and informal discussions on the sidelines of the gathering.
The party subsequently demanded full disclosure of the President’s whereabouts and health status, while calling for strict compliance with Section 145 of the Constitution in future instances of presidential absence.
The NDC also called for what it described as an end to an “imperial presidency” and urged greater accountability in the conduct of government.
“A nation of over 200 million people cannot be run by delegation and press release. Nigeria deserves a president who is present,” the party added.
