The African Democratic Congress has sharply criticised the latest ambassadorial nominations submitted by President Bola Tinubu, describing the list as a settlement of political favours rather than a strategic effort to strengthen Nigeria’s global diplomacy. The president had earlier forwarded 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Nigerian Senate for confirmation, following an initial transmission of three names. The new list features a blend of career diplomats and political appointees, including Barrister Ogbonnaya Kalu, Reno Omokri, former INEC Chairman Mahmud Yakubu, Erelu Angela Adebayo and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, whose selections have fueled fresh political debate. More information on the African Democratic Congress is available on adc.org.ng.

At the centre of the ADC’s objections is the nomination of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the immediate past chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission. The party insists that appointing Yakubu barely two years after he oversaw the election that produced President Tinubu undermines the neutrality expected of an institution like INEC, and warned that such a move reinforces long-standing allegations that the 2023 elections were compromised. Details on INEC and its mandate can be found at inecnigeria.org.

Speaking on behalf of the party, national publicity secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi stressed that Yakubu’s nomination sends a “dangerous message” at a time when the commission is battling a crisis of confidence. Abdullahi appealed to Yakubu to consider declining the appointment “in the interest of national healing,” describing the offer as a brazenly insensitive gesture by the presidency. He also urged the Nigerian Senate to demonstrate courage by rejecting the nomination, saying such an action would be a symbolic step toward restoring the faith of Nigerians in the country’s electoral framework. More information on the Nigerian Senate can be found at nass.gov.ng.

Beyond Yakubu, the ADC extended its criticism to the entire list, arguing that the composition reflects political patronage rather than merit or diplomatic expertise. The party warned that Nigeria’s image abroad cannot be strengthened by what it sees as a recycling of political loyalists, adding that the nation requires envoys equipped to navigate international economic pressure, shifting geopolitical alliances, and urgent security partnerships. According to the ADC, the Senate must rise above partisanship and ensure that only nominees who genuinely advance Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives are confirmed.