The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s latest batch of ambassadorial nominees, describing the selection as a compilation of political favours rather than a strategic diplomatic team.
The party’s primary objection centres on the nomination of the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, whom it urged the Senate to reject. According to the ADC, Yakubu’s nomination—coming less than two years after he oversaw the 2023 general election that produced the Tinubu administration—raises fresh questions about electoral neutrality and risks deepening public distrust in the commission.
President Tinubu recently transmitted 32 names to the Senate for confirmation, following an earlier submission of three nominees. The list includes 15 career diplomats and 17 non-career nominees, with a combined ten women represented across both categories.
Among the non-career nominees are former presidential aide Reno Omokri, Barrister Ogbonnaya Kalu, former Ekiti First Lady Erelu Angela Adebayo, former Enugu Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and former INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu.
ADC’s national publicity secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said Yakubu’s inclusion was particularly unsettling at a time when INEC’s reputation remained fragile after what he described as a deeply contentious 2023 election. Abdullahi argued that accepting such an appointment so soon after leaving office would cast doubts on Yakubu’s independence during his tenure.
He described the nomination as “brazenly insensitive,” urging Yakubu to decline the offer in the interest of protecting his legacy and insulating the electoral body from further controversy. He also called on the Senate to reject the nomination to help restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.
Abdullahi further criticised the ambassadorial list as “outrageously underwhelming,” alleging that it prioritised political patronage over competence at a time when Nigeria urgently needs a credible and disciplined diplomatic corps to repair its international standing.
According to the ADC, most nominees fall into three groups—former diplomats, political allies and relatives of political figures—raising concerns about merit and balance. The party warned that Yakubu’s appointment, if approved, could set a dangerous precedent where electoral officials might begin to view their positions as pathways to political reward.
The party noted that although Nigerian law does not prescribe a mandatory waiting period before former electoral officials assume political roles, ethical considerations should prevail to protect the integrity of the democratic process.
It concluded by urging both Yakubu and the Senate to act “patriotically” by rejecting the nomination in the interest of safeguarding democratic standards and strengthening public trust in elections.
