The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally demanded that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu withdraw his newly submitted ambassadorial nominees’ list, calling it a “scandalous” selection that threatens Nigeria’s diplomatic standing due to serious integrity concerns.
Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the PDP described the list as populated by “disgraced propagandists, characterless politicians and public officials” — many of whom the party claims carry reputational baggage both at home and abroad.
Of particular concern to the party is the inclusion of the immediate past chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu.
The PDP accused him of overseeing a controversial electoral process in 2023, describing his nomination as a “skewed reward system” and warning the choice could be perceived internationally as a payoff for perceived election malpractice.
The party argues that the delay nearly three years in producing the list speaks volumes of “the paucity of excellent people within the reach” of the presidency. It insisted that for Nigeria to command respect on the international stage, ambassadors must possess “stellar democratic credentials and high moral standing.
Calling the list “reprehensible and scandalous,” the PDP described the nominations as a sad commentary on Nigeria’s diplomatic representation and threatened a diplomatic “all-time low” if the list is not withdrawn and replaced with candidates of unquestionable integrity.
The demand adds pressure on the government as the Senate begins consideration of the 32 nominees sent by Mr. Tinubu for confirmation as career and non-career ambassadors.
