Joe Keshi Breaks Silence On Tinubu’s UNGA Absence, Raises Questions Over Buhari’s Attendance

Former Nigerian diplomat, Ambassador Joe Keshi, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the United Nations General Assembly, arguing that the focus should be on the quality of Nigeria’s representation and the issues presented rather than the physical presence of the President.

Speaking during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Tuesday, Keshi said the debate over Tinubu’s absence was unnecessary as long as Nigeria was adequately represented at the global gathering.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Keshi maintained that Vice President Kashim Shettima’s leadership of the Nigerian delegation was sufficient to ensure the country’s interests were represented at the UNGA. He noted that there had been occasions when Nigerian leaders did not personally attend the annual gathering without any major consequence to the country.

Keshi questioned the significance attached to presidential attendance, particularly when the more important consideration should be what Nigeria seeks to achieve through its participation. He argued that discussions about whether Tinubu would be present or have the opportunity to meet world leaders had overshadowed more substantive issues concerning Nigeria’s interests.

The former diplomat also referred to the attendance of former President Muhammadu Buhari at previous UNGA sessions, questioning what tangible outcomes Nigerians could point to from such participation.

Keshi said Nigeria’s presence at the United Nations General Assembly should ultimately be assessed by the effectiveness of its delegation, the quality of the discussions it engages in and the issues it advances on behalf of the country.

He further argued that the absence of a sitting president from the gathering should not automatically be interpreted as a failure, stressing that the country remains represented when another senior government official leads its delegation.

The comments come amid public debate over Tinubu’s decision not to personally attend the 2026 UNGA, with Vice President Shettima representing Nigeria at the international gathering. Keshi’s position places greater emphasis on the substance and outcome of Nigeria’s participation than on whether the President personally appears at the event.