President Bola Tinubu has submitted his first major list of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate, ending a two-year diplomatic vacuum, but the move has provoked a sharp political confrontation. Opposition parties, including the PDP and ADC, have slammed the nominations as a “scandalous” reward for political allies and controversial figures, with particular outrage focused on former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu.
The PDP’s spokesman argued the list reflects how the President views the country, stating, “The President is not concerned about perception… which is why he is sending those types of people,” while the ADC dismissed it as “job for the boys.” In defense, the APC’s National Publicity Director dismissed the criticism as “mischievous,” insisting that Yakubu’s nomination was a recognition for a job well done and questioning, “Does that mean if one has served as an INEC chairman, he is no longer a Nigerian or not qualified to hold positions?”
“The President is not concerned about perception, and the calibre and character of personalities sent to represent Nigeria is only a reflection of what the President thinks of the country at this moment, which is why he is sending those types of people.” – Ini Ememobong, PDP National Publicity Secretary
“This may be a continuation of granting diplomatic immunity to people who in the future may have questions to answer.” – Ini Ememobong, PDP National Publicity Secretary
“After wasting two and a half years, if this is what they are coming up with, it just shows that they are not serious… For all of them, it is just settling political IOUs. It is not about what they intend to do for the country or addressing the urgency of this moment. It shows that they don’t take the issues of diplomacy seriously.” – Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC spokesperson
“Does that mean if one has served as an INEC chairman, he is no longer a Nigerian or not qualified to hold positions?” – Bala Ibrahim, APC National Publicity Director
“Even if it is a reward, it is a reward that you and I can also be entitled to. It means recognition for a job well done.” – Bala Ibrahim, APC National Publicity Director