The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised President Bola Tinubu for his absence at the 68th Ordinary Heads of State and Government Meeting of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), held in Abuja, describing it as detrimental to Nigeria’s regional leadership and international standing.
The ECOWAS summit, which brought together leaders from across West Africa, focused on key challenges facing the sub-region, including insecurity and political instability. Despite Nigeria hosting the meeting, President Tinubu was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the PDP acknowledged that the President is constitutionally permitted to delegate representation. However, the party argued that Tinubu’s appearance at a political event the following day undermined the importance of the regional meeting and sent the wrong signal about Nigeria’s commitment to West African stability.
According to the opposition party, the President’s absence created the perception that less priority was being given to regional issues, contrary to Nigeria’s long-standing foreign policy role in the sub-region.
The PDP further alleged that such actions had contributed to a decline in Nigeria’s standing among neighbouring countries, noting that the nation was previously held in high regard within ECOWAS.
The party called on the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government to focus on governance rather than political considerations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It urged the administration to prioritise investments in security, education, infrastructure and healthcare, instead of what it described as funding political structures in preparation for the 2027 polls.
The PDP said the issues of legislative integrity, international reputation and regional leadership are national concerns, adding that Nigerians deserve practical solutions, transparent governance and evidence-based policies to address the country’s challenges.
