The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Sunday urged former Independent National Electoral Commission chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to turn down a nomination as an ambassador, saying the appointment could hurt public trust in Nigeria’s election body.
The ADC called the choice “embarrassingly insensitive” and warned it could set a dangerous precedent that weakens the idea that election officials must stay neutral.
Party officials said the ambassador list looks like a way to reward political allies rather than pick people on merit.
The criticism comes after President Bola Tinubu sent a fresh list of ambassadorial nominees to the Senate. The main opposition party and other critics have also questioned some names on the list, saying the choices appear to settle political debts instead of putting Nigeria’s diplomacy first.
Some commentators urged the National Assembly to closely screen the nominees to protect the country’s image and ensure those chosen are fit for the job.
Former presidential aides and analysts warned that careful checks are needed so appointments do not damage public confidence in key institutions.
It remains to be seen if Prof. Yakubu accepts or rejects the nomination, and how the Senate conducts its screening.
