Sowore Accuses Tinubu of Medical Cover-Up as President Extends Europe Stay, Skips UNGA Again
Abuja, Nigeria—September 21, 2026—African Action Congress (AAC) 2027 presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has intensified criticism of President Bola Tinubu, alleging that the president’s extended stay in Europe is for medical treatment rather than the official “working vacation,” and that this explains his third consecutive absence from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
In a post on X on Monday, Sowore argued that Tinubu announced an extension of his vacation shortly after the activist highlighted what he called the “real reason” the president could not attend the 81st UNGA in New York—even as French President Emmanuel Macron, whom Sowore described as Tinubu’s “host,” had already departed for the gathering.
“I am certain this was to get more medical treatment and then return to Nigeria packaged for a re-selection they’ve been planning all along for 2027,” Sowore wrote.
He further noted that Vice President Kashim Shettima is also in New York for the UN session, with no public handover of duties, and declared that “the lies, deception and subterfuge have collapsed,” ending with the hashtag #TinubuMustGo.
Official Position: Annual Leave and Full Mandate for Shettima
The Presidency has maintained that Tinubu is on a working vacation that began on August 30, starting in London before moving to Paris, where he held engagements including a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.
On Monday, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga announced that the president had extended the leave by a few days and is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend.
Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s high-level delegation to the 81st UNGA, whose General Debate runs from September 22 to 28 under the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement and participate in bilateral meetings. Officials, including Information Minister Mohammed Idris and presidential aide Ademola Osodi, have stressed that this arrangement is neither unusual nor a diminution of Nigeria’s diplomatic standing.
This marks the third consecutive year Tinubu has skipped the UNGA in person (after attending in 2023), with Shettima representing him in 2024 and 2025 as well.
The government has rejected suggestions that the absence is linked to any travel restrictions involving the United States.
Opposition Pressure and Public Debate
Sowore’s latest claims build on earlier statements in which he asserted that Tinubu is receiving treatment in France and has avoided New York partly out of concern over past legal matters in the United States.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has also publicly demanded explanations for the repeated absences.
The Presidency has described such commentary as political and baseless, insisting Tinubu has continued to direct government affairs from abroad, including ordering an independent probe into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Minna.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume is handling some official representations while Shettima is in New York.
As the president’s return is now scheduled for the coming weekend, questions about transparency around his schedule, the chain of command during dual absences of the president and vice president, and Nigeria’s consistent high-level representation at global forums continue to dominate political discussion.
Sowore, a longtime critic and activist running on a platform of revolutionary change, has framed the episode as further evidence that public trust in official narratives has eroded.
Government spokespersons counter that Nigeria remains fully engaged on the international stage and that domestic priorities and routine leave fully justify the current arrangements.
*This report is based on public statements by Omoyele Sowore, official Presidency releases, and contemporary news coverage as of September 21, 2026.*
news Olukoyede Warns LG Chairmen: Accountability Must Now Reach Nigeria’s Grassroots
politics Speaker Abbas Urges Religious Leaders to Champion Peace Ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Elections
politics Kwankwaso Vows NDC Will Restore Fuel Subsidy in New Form to End Economic Mess
news Oyo Police Arrest Three Suspects, Recover Stolen Hyundai Sonata from Lagos
news Supreme Court Affirms Eda Oniyo as Ilejemeje LG Headquarters, Dismisses Iye Appeal
How do you feel about this news?
Community Additions
Have a news tip, correction, or extra context about this story? Post it below instantly. All submissions appear live on this screen immediately.