The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s newly released ambassadorial list, describing it as politically motivated and damaging to Nigeria’s diplomatic and democratic integrity. The party particularly faulted the inclusion of former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, calling his nomination “insensitive” and a threat to electoral neutrality.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the long-anticipated appointments fail to address Nigeria’s urgent diplomatic challenges.

“After waiting for more than two years, and with Nigeria’s diplomacy and global perception in historic tatters, President Bola Tinubu presents an outrageously underwhelming ambassadorial list that appears designed to settle his political IOUs rather than fix Nigeria’s urgent international relations crises,” the statement read.

‘A List Packed With Political Loyalists’

According to the ADC, the President’s list is dominated by “political jobbers, corruption suspects, and relatives of political associates,” rather than seasoned professionals capable of restoring Nigeria’s diplomatic stature.

The party’s strongest objection was reserved for the nomination of Prof. Yakubu, who oversaw the contentious 2023 general elections.

“The ADC views the appointment of Prof. Yakubu as embarrassingly insensitive, coming barely two years after supervising a highly controversial election that ushered in President Tinubu,” Abdullahi said. “This appointment blurs what should be a distinct line between players and umpires.”

‘A Dangerous Precedent’

The ADC warned that the move could have long-term implications for the country’s electoral system.

“If allowed to stand, it would set a dangerous precedent where future INEC chairmen and commissioners may begin to see their positions as stepping stones to political rewards. Once that mindset enters the bloodstream of our electoral system, neutrality becomes impossible, partisanship becomes inevitable, and elections become transactional,” the party said.

It also questioned the criteria used to select the nominees, noting that most fall into just three categories: former career diplomats, political supporters and associates, or members of the ruling party.

“We wonder in which of these three categories Prof. Yakubu belongs. The implication of this is deeply unsettling indeed,” the statement added.

ADC Calls on Yakubu to Decline Nomination

While acknowledging that Nigerian law does not specify a mandatory cooling-off period for former electoral officials, the ADC stressed the importance of ethical standards.

“Even when the law is silent, ethical standards must be upheld, especially when the situation attacks the very foundation of our democracy.”

The party urged Yakubu to reject the appointment “for the sake of INEC’s institutional credibility, the integrity of future elections, and the preservation of his own legacy.” It further called on the Senate to reject the nomination if Yakubu does not decline voluntarily.

Background on Tinubu’s Latest Ambassadorial Submissions

SaharaReporters earlier reported that President Tinubu transmitted a second batch of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate—comprising 15 career diplomats and 17 non-career nominees—just days after submitting an initial list of three.

According to letters sent to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the President urged the Senate to “consider and confirm expeditiously” the new nominees.

Notable non-career nominees include Barrister Ogbonnaya Kalu (Abia), former presidential aide Reno Omokri (Delta), former INEC Chairman Mahmud Yakubu, former Ekiti First Lady Erelu Angela Adebayo, and former Enugu Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

Others include former Katsina House of Assembly Speaker Tasiu Musa Maigari, former UBEC Deputy Executive Secretary Yakubu N. Gambo, former Senator Nora Ladi Daduut, former Lagos Deputy Governor Otunba Femi Pedro, former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode, and Barrister Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu.

Additional nominees include former Oyo First Lady Fatima Florence Ajimobi, former Lagos Commissioner Lola Akande, former Adamawa Senator Grace Bent, former Abia Governor Victor Okezie Ikpeazu, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, and former Vatican Ambassador Paul Oga Adikwu.