The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his absence from the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, in New York.

The party, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, on Monday, described Tinubu’s absence as his third consecutive failure to attend the global gathering since assuming office in 2023.

The NDC said Nigerians had previously been told that Tinubu would attend the UNGA before the Presidency announced on September 20 that Vice President Kashim Shettima had been “mandated” to lead Nigeria’s delegation.

The party also questioned Tinubu’s more than three-week absence from Nigeria, alleging that the situation had created a governance vacuum.

It further accused the President of failing to comply with Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, which it said requires a written declaration to the National Assembly when the President is proceeding on vacation or otherwise unable to discharge his functions.

The NDC also criticised the President’s absence from what it described as an important opportunity for direct diplomatic and economic engagements with other world leaders.

“A nation of over 200 million people can not be run by delegation and press release. Nigeria deserves a President who is present,” the party said.

NDC demanded the immediate disclosure of Tinubu’s whereabouts and health status, compliance with Section 145 of the Constitution and an end to what it described as “informal, unconstitutional rule from abroad”.

The NDC also questioned the Presidency’s explanation that Tinubu could not travel to New York “to speak for just 15 minutes”, arguing that UNGA provides opportunities for high-level diplomatic engagements beyond the official speeches.