ADC Raises Concerns over President Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominations, Calls for Rejection of Mahmood Yakubu’s Appointment

The African Democratic Congress has expressed strong concern over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s newly released ambassadorial list, describing it as inadequate for Nigeria’s pressing diplomatic needs and a missed opportunity to rebuild the nation’s global standing after more than two years of inactivity on the international stage.

In a statement issued today, the party noted that Nigeria’s diplomatic reputation has suffered significantly in recent years, making it imperative for the Federal Government to assemble a disciplined and credible diplomatic corps capable of restoring confidence among global partners. Instead, the ADC says the list appears heavily skewed toward settling political IOUs and rewarding loyalists.

According to the party, many of the nominees fall into predictable clusters: former career diplomats, political supporters and their relatives, as well as members of the ruling party. The ADC warned that this pattern undermines the merit and professionalism required to reposition Nigeria in global affairs.

The nomination of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, drew particular criticism. The party described the appointment as “embarrassingly insensitive,” especially coming just months after he vacated office and less than two years after overseeing the general election that produced President Tinubu.

The statement argued that offering a sensitive diplomatic role to a recently retired electoral umpire blurs the critical line that must exist between election managers and political actors. The ADC cautioned that such precedent could encourage future INEC chairmen and commissioners to view their roles as pathways to political patronage, eroding neutrality and transforming elections into transactional contests.

While acknowledging that Nigerian law does not specify any mandatory cooling-off period for former electoral officials, the ADC emphasized that ethical standards must prevail where the law is silent, especially when the integrity of democratic institutions is at stake.

The party called on Prof. Yakubu to decline the nomination in order to protect INEC’s institutional credibility and safeguard his personal legacy. It also urged the Senate to reject his appointment if he fails to withdraw.

The ADC concluded by reiterating that Nigeria’s diplomatic challenges demand competence, integrity, and non-partisanship, noting that anything less risks further damaging the nation’s international credibility at a crucial moment.