The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi of Labour Party on Monday attended the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) annual general conference in Lagos. Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was absent but sent in his running mate Kashim Shettima.

Peter Obi drew the loudest ovation as soon as he was recognized, the loud applause resonating through the crowded ambience.

The NBA had earlier announced that two other presidential candidates – Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) – did not confirm their availability for the conference.

The Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikwu and that of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, were also in attendance.

The 2022 NBA Annual General Conference, with the theme “Bold Transitions”, is holding at the Eko Atlantic City until August 26.

Tinubu’s absence however provoked acrid reactions from lawyers and Nigerians who took to social media to berate the former Lagos state governor for shunning an event holding “a few meters from his Bourdillon Ikoyi Home.”

Below are a few of the reactions of Nigerians on Tinubu’s absence:

Adamawa Last Born 🔴@Adamawalastborn twitted: The “owner of Lagos” is absent at the NBA colloquium in Lagos.  Atiku came all the way from Adamawa state to be part of the NBA conference.  PDP is fully represented, and Chief Peter Obi is also on ground. Tinubu who claim to be the owner of Lagos sent Shettima 😂 APC na scam

Another Twitter user by name Such is Life@Doinggood twitted: Tinubu absence from The NBA conference further reinforces the popular Opinion that Tinubu is just a presidential placeholder for his Vice President Shettima. Scary!

Tinubu is weak and Senile, he can’t stand the stress of leading a country like Nigeria. Vote Wisely!

 FS Yusuf @FS_Yusuf twitted: Even Buhari went to Chatham House to give a speech but Tinubu is refusing to attend the NBA conference today. A gathering that would an auspicious opportunity for major contenders to sell their candidacy to Nigerians. Tinubu is too disconnected from the people to lead the people.