The Jagaban Apex Alliance has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as a bold and historic push for greater African representation on the United Nations Security Council.
The group said Tinubu’s demand for at least two permanent seats for Africa, with full rights and veto powers, represents a significant assertion of the continent’s place in the global decision-making architecture.
Tinubu made the demand in his national statement at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday, September 24, 2026. The address was delivered on his behalf by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Reacting in a statement signed by its National Spokesperson, Hon. Ibrahim Pam, JP, MTI, ANTO, on Friday, the Jagaban Apex Alliance described the President’s intervention as a forceful articulation of Africa’s long-standing demand for a greater voice in the UN system.
The group particularly welcomed Tinubu’s declaration that “the world of 2026 cannot remain captive to the distribution of power in 1945,” arguing that the existing structure of the Security Council no longer adequately reflects contemporary geopolitical realities.
Nigeria’s position, as presented by Shettima, is for at least two permanent African seats on the Security Council with all the rights and responsibilities of permanent membership, including veto power for as long as the veto exists, alongside five non-permanent seats.
According to the alliance, the demand is anchored on the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, which constitute key elements of Africa’s established position on Security Council reform.
The group said the President’s intervention also placed Nigeria’s historical contributions to international peace and security at the centre of the argument, citing the country’s roles in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Darfur, Mali and The Gambia, as well as its contributions through ECOWAS, the African Union and Gulf of Guinea partnerships.
“President Tinubu has moved Nigeria from the sidelines to the centre of the global reform conversation,” the alliance declared.
It also commended the President for broadening Nigeria’s UNGA intervention beyond Security Council reform to include calls for changes to the global financial architecture, fairer debt arrangements, greater participation of developing countries in economic decision-making and accessible climate financing.
The alliance noted that Tinubu also called for stronger international cooperation against terrorism, organised crime, cyberattacks and illicit finance, while advocating diplomacy, dialogue and respect for international law in addressing global conflicts.
The Jagaban Apex Alliance described the broader diplomatic position as “Renewed Hope diplomacy,” saying it projects an Afro-centric and future-focused vision for Nigeria and the continent.
It called on Nigerians, Africans and progressive allies to support the push for meaningful reform of global institutions and greater African representation in international decision-making.
The group concluded by declaring its support for President Tinubu’s position, describing the UNGA intervention as a significant moment in Nigeria’s continuing campaign for a more equitable global order.
