The Presidency has accused the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of pretending to be unaware of President Bola Tinubu’s whereabouts.
The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made the comment while responding to concerns over Tinubu’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Onanuga noted that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi also did not attend the UNGA, arguing that their absence did not generate similar public reactions in their countries.
He said Tinubu had announced his annual vacation and delegated Nigeria’s representation at the UNGA to Vice President Kashim Shettima, who led the country’s delegation to the gathering.
“Yet Peter Obi pretends to be unaware of President Tinubu’s whereabouts and asks the puerile question his followers are asking on X,” Onanuga wrote.
The presidential aide said Tinubu had continued to discharge his responsibilities while abroad, including meetings with investors in France, and described the President as “hale and hearty.”
Onanuga said Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria this week to participate in activities marking the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary and honour the late MKO Abiola at a film premiere in Lagos.
The Presidency had earlier announced that Tinubu’s working vacation, which began on August 30, was extended by a few days. It subsequently confirmed that he would return to Nigeria on September 29.
