Lawal downplays Tinubu’s UNGA absence, says Shettima represents Nigeria

By Abubakar Yunus

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has dismissed concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, stating that Vice President Kashim Shettima’s presence ensures the country remains effectively represented.

Speaking on Monday during an interview with Arise News on the sidelines of the ongoing UNGA, Governor Lawal emphasized that the Vice President is fully capable of delivering the administration’s position on the global stage.

President Tinubu mandated Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation and present the country’s national statement at the high-level diplomatic gathering.

“In an administration where there’s something that makes it impossible for you to attend, of course, you always delegate.

“There’s a reason why the President couldn’t make it… Now the Vice President is going to represent Nigeria.

“The message is still the President’s message that the VP is going to deliver,” Lawal said.

The governor maintained that the President’s absence should not generate further public controversy, urging citizens to trust the decision.

“I don’t see that as any issue. He has been doing that, so I don’t think it’s a big issue that people should talk about.

“Let’s give him that benefit of the doubt—at least the Vice President will be there to represent the President,” Lawal added.

President Tinubu is currently in France as part of a three-week working vacation previously announced by the Presidency.

This marks his third consecutive absence from the General Assembly since assuming office, having also delegated Vice President Shettima to represent Nigeria at the 2024 and 2025 sessions.

Reassuring the public, the Presidency stated that the President’s absence would not affect Nigeria’s diplomatic standing.

Presidential aide Ademola Osodi noted that Tinubu is currently prioritizing domestic matters alongside other strategic international engagements.

The 81st UNGA General Debate runs from September 22 to 28, 2026, in New York, where Vice President Shettima is slated to participate in several high-level bilateral and multilateral meetings alongside the Nigerian delegation.