The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has faulted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to extend his vacation abroad and miss the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), describing the move as an abdication of his presidential responsibilities.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the opposition party said it was dissatisfied with the explanation provided by the Presidency regarding the president’s continued stay overseas and his absence from the annual gathering of world leaders.
According to the PDP, the development raises concerns about the administration’s priorities at a time when Nigeria is grappling with security challenges, economic difficulties and widespread public dissatisfaction.
The party argued that President Tinubu, having sought and accepted the mandate to govern the country, remains accountable to Nigerians and should be prepared to justify decisions relating to the discharge of his duties.
“The President sought this office and, upon taking the oath of office, became a servant of the Nigerian people, who have a right to question how he governs the country,” the statement said.
The opposition party maintained that the president’s absence from both Nigeria and the UN General Assembly sends the wrong signal, particularly amid ongoing concerns over insecurity and economic pressures affecting citizens across the country.
The PDP noted that since Tinubu was already in Europe on vacation, it would have been practical for him to proceed directly to the United States to participate in the UN General Assembly, which it described as one of the world’s most significant gatherings of political leaders.
The party further argued that the event provided an opportunity for Nigeria’s leader to engage with the international community and seek support for addressing the nation’s challenges.
According to the statement, if the president was not in the country overseeing efforts to tackle pressing domestic issues, he should have been representing Nigeria on the global stage at UNGA.
The PDP also accused the Presidency of displaying what it described as disdain for public scrutiny by attempting to discourage questions about the president’s travel schedule and official engagements.
Calling on Nigerians to take note of the development, the party said elected leaders must remain accountable to the citizens who entrusted them with public office.
The statement was signed by Comrade Ini Ememobong, National Publicity Secretary of the PDP’s Interim National Working Committee.
