Questions are intensifying over President Bola Tinubu’s reported decision to skip the United Nations General Assembly in New York, coming after the Nigerian government spent 9 million dollars on lobbying contracts in the United States.
Paul Ibe, media adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, raised certain concerns on Saturday via X.
He questioned why the president is staying away from the global summit after months of intensive diplomacy aimed at improving relations with American leaders.
I’ve said the Federal Government used significant financial resources to rebuild its standing with top figures in Washington.
As part of these diplomatic efforts, senior representatives, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, travelled to the United States for high-level meetings.
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The administration previously highlighted a proposed Nigeria-US mining agreement. Government representatives had expected to advance this commercial deal during the United Nations gathering. However, the president’s change of plans leaves the outcome of these diplomatic discussions and trade talks unclear.
The choice to stay away occurs as American security officials focus heavily on dismantling foreign narcotics networks. The White House 2026 National Drug Control Strategy outlines plans to pursue international drug supply lines, break up cartels, and prosecute money launderers.
At the same time, court cases continue in American courts regarding Freedom of Information Act requests for law enforcement documents concerning President Tinubu. The president has filed court papers to stop the release of these records, which involve past allegations linked to narcotics investigations.
Ibe stated that citizens need clear information rather than public relations campaigns. He asked whether planned high-level meetings in New York and Washington were confirmed by American officials, and whether the proposed mining deal will still happen.
He noted that the current situation creates an awkward public image for the government. Ibe pointed out that the administration spent heavily to build influence in Washington just as American authorities stepped up actions against international drug networks.
The opposition spokesperson asked why the president is not attending the event where all the prior diplomatic preparation was meant to take effect.
He urged the administration to provide facts about the travel plans and clarify the true status of the agreements.
“Instead of propaganda, Nigerians deserve disclosure. Instead of expensive image laundering, let the records speak. And instead of telling Nigerians that everything is normal, the Presidency should explain why, after all the lobbying, all the diplomatic exertions and all the advance celebration of American deals, the President is reportedly no longer going where all that groundwork was supposed to matter most,” Ibe said.
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