‘Where is Nigeria’s President?’ Obi queries Tinubu’s prolonged absence

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has joined a growing chorus of citizens demanding answers regarding the official whereabouts and domestic presence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The former Anambra State governor raised the issue in a statement published Sunday on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, released via his spokesperson, Idris Zekeri Jnr.

Our correspondent reports that President Tinubu departed the country on August 30, 2026, for a three-week working vacation in Europe as part of his annual leave, according to official statements from the State House.

However, concerns have mounted among opposition leaders and civil society groups as the expected resumption timeframe passed without his return to executive duties in Abuja or public attendance at several high-level international forums.

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Obi’s comments followed the global address delivered by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Obi contrasted Ghana’s active diplomatic presence with Nigeria’s recurring leadership void on the world stage.

“Here is the remarkable address delivered by Ghana’s dynamic President, John Dramani Mahama, at the 81st UNGA,” Obi wrote.

“As the international community commends this distinguished leader, many are asking: 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?”

The NDC leader expressed deep concern over the executive absence at a time when Nigeria faces critical economic and security challenges domestically.

“Nigeria’s President, who ought to be representing and guiding the continent at the international level, has not attended any of these three global gatherings. Where is he, particularly at a time when the country faces significant challenges both domestically and internationally?” Obi asked.

Acknowledging that Vice President Kashim Shettima led the Nigerian delegation to New York, Obi maintained that symbolic representation by a deputy does not fully address the underlying question of governance continuity.

“Although our Vice President, Kashim Shettima, was present, the question remains: where is the President?

“Let us continue to pray for his return and for his leadership in addressing the many challenges confronting the nation, but let us hope that a New Nigeria is possible and will be O-K.” Obi added.