Tinubu Reportedly Cancels UNGA Trip As Shettima Set To Lead Nigeria’s Delegation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly shelved plans to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, with Vice President Kashim Shettima expected to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the global gathering.

The reported change in plans comes amid claims that security concerns surrounding a proposed demonstration by some Nigerians in the United States may have influenced the President’s decision.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Tinubu was initially expected to travel to New York between September 22 and 28, 2026, and deliver Nigeria’s address to world leaders on September 23 during the high-level segment of the UN General Assembly.

However, a security source reportedly disclosed that intelligence regarding a planned anti-Tinubu demonstration in New York prompted the President to reconsider the trip.

The source claimed that the proposed protest was connected to renewed efforts in the United States to obtain records relating to Tinubu’s activities in Chicago during the early 1990s.

It was further alleged that opposition figures in Nigeria were making efforts to mobilise Nigerians living in the United States for the demonstration.

Amid the development, African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has also taken aim at the Presidency over its criticism of the US lobbying firm he engaged to represent his interests in Washington.

Atiku reportedly urged President Tinubu to stop attacking his lobbyist and instead address questions surrounding historical records linked to him in the United States.

The former vice president made the comments in reaction to remarks by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, who had criticised Atiku’s engagement of Von Batten-Montague-York.

Dare had questioned claims that the firm’s managing partner, Karl Von Batten, had access to US President Donald Trump or members of his administration, or possessed the ability to influence ongoing legal proceedings.

Responding through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that his engagement with the lobbying firm was properly registered with the US Department of Justice and therefore should not be portrayed as a secret operation aimed at influencing Washington.

Shaibu accused the Presidency of diverting attention from what he described as substantive questions raised by American judicial records by concentrating on the background and activities of Atiku’s lobbyist.

He subsequently challenged President Tinubu to provide explanations regarding a reported $460,000 forfeiture in the United States.

According to Atiku’s camp, a US District Court had previously issued a decree forfeiting $460,000 held in an account bearing Tinubu’s name. Shaibu also questioned why the President’s name appeared in historical US federal records relating to narcotics and money-laundering allegations.

The claims have added another layer to the growing political exchanges between the Presidency and Atiku, coming at a time when attention is increasingly focused on Nigeria’s international engagements and preparations for the 2027 general elections.