The Peoples Democratic Party, one of Nigeria’s major political parties and the current main opposition group, has strongly criticised the full list of ambassadorial nominees presented to the Senate by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria. The party described the President’s selection as “reprehensible and scandalous,” insisting that the individuals chosen do not reflect the integrity required for international representation.
Okay News reports that President Tinubu forwarded the names of thirty two individuals for ambassadorial postings after previously submitting an initial list of three nominees to the Nigerian Senate for legislative screening. The list includes prominent political figures such as the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mahmood Yakubu; former Presidential aide, Reno Omokri; former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode; and former Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, among others.
In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ini Ememobong, the opposition party claimed that several nominees have been widely viewed, both in Nigeria and internationally, as individuals burdened with “integrity deficits and notable anti-democratic activities.”
The statement further reads, “While most Nigerians are seriously appalled by the inclusion of most of the nominees, they are not totally surprised, given the history and disposition of this administration.” It added that “it is an incontestable fact that a nominee is a clear and direct reflection of the values and estimation of the nominator.”
The Peoples Democratic Party argued that President Tinubu’s decision communicates that he considers these nominees to be the most qualified individuals to represent the Federal Republic of Nigeria across global capitals. However, the party insisted this decision sends a troubling message about the administration’s values.
A major point of contention involves the nomination of Mahmood Yakubu, the immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission. The Peoples Democratic Party described his inclusion as an attempt to reward electoral conduct that many opposition groups have questioned.
The statement declared, “To offer him an ambassadorial appointment at a time like this is an excellent exemplar of a skewed reward system, which we suspect is designed as an incentive to the new Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman, to also deliver flawed elections in 2027, in expectation of future rewards. This is absolutely scandalous and completely unacceptable.”
Consequently, the opposition party demanded that the President withdraw the entire list and resubmit nominees who possess “stellar democratic credentials and high moral standing, capable of commanding global respect.”
The Peoples Democratic Party concluded that sending internationally recognised political figures with controversial records to serve as ambassadors could negatively impact Nigeria’s global reputation. The party warned that diplomatic engagement thrives on integrity and credibility, qualities it believes many of the nominees do not possess.
