Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has openly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over Nigeria’s exclusion from a recent meeting convened by former U.S. President Donald Trump with select African leaders.
Atiku expressed deep concern that Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy was sidelined at such a significant diplomatic gathering, interpreting the omission as a sign of waning global influence under Tinubu’s administration.
The high-level meeting, which brought together leaders from several African countries, focused on strategic partnerships, economic development, and strengthening bilateral relations with the United States. Atiku stated that Nigeria’s absence from the forum reflected poorly on the country’s foreign policy direction and signaled a decline in diplomatic stature, especially at a time when global alliances are increasingly important.
Speaking through a statement issued by his media team, Atiku said that Nigeria has traditionally played a leading role in continental affairs and international diplomacy. He lamented that the Tinubu administration has failed to uphold that legacy, instead allowing the country to drift into irrelevance on the global stage. He warned that the continued erosion of Nigeria’s foreign policy clout could have serious implications for investment, trade, and national security.
Atiku questioned why smaller nations with less economic and geopolitical weight were invited to Trump’s meeting, while Nigeria — once seen as a central voice for Africa — was ignored. He accused Tinubu of neglecting Nigeria’s core diplomatic responsibilities and failing to engage meaningfully with international stakeholders, especially at a time when the country is grappling with economic instability, inflation, and widespread insecurity.
He further asserted that leadership is not only about domestic governance but also about how a nation asserts its presence and protects its interests globally. According to Atiku, Nigeria’s leadership deficit is becoming increasingly evident in international spaces where its voice is either absent or ignored, despite the country’s historical importance in shaping regional and global dialogue.
Atiku urged the Tinubu administration to reassess its foreign policy approach and revive Nigeria’s standing in the international community through proactive engagement, strategic diplomacy, and credible leadership. He insisted that Nigeria’s destiny cannot be determined in isolation and that meaningful participation in global affairs is essential for national growth and development.
As political observers reflect on the implications of Nigeria’s absence from the Trump-Africa meeting, concerns continue to mount over the Tinubu government’s ability to command international respect and secure the nation’s strategic interests. Atiku’s remarks resonate with many who believe Nigeria must urgently reclaim its diplomatic relevance and global voice.