The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has slammed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent ambassadorial nominations, describing the list as a political “settlement” of IOUs rather than a strategic effort to advance Nigeria’s diplomacy.

In a strongly-worded statement signed by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the party, the ADC expressed particular concern over the appointment of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The party argued that Yakubu’s nomination, coming just two years after overseeing the 2023 general election that brought Tinubu to power, could reinforce perceptions that he was not a neutral umpire during the election and may further erode confidence in INEC.

According to the party, “At a time when INEC, Nigeria’s foremost democratic institution, is still mired in a major credibility crisis following the highly disputed 2023 general election, Prof. Yakubu’s nomination for an ambassadorial position sends a dangerous message.”

The ADC urged the former INEC chairman to reject the appointment, describing it as “brazenly insensitive,” and called on the Senate to block the nomination as a measure to restore public trust in the country’s electoral process.

The statement continued:

“After waiting for more than two years, and with Nigeria’s diplomacy and global perception in historic tatters, President Tinubu presents an outrageously underwhelming ambassadorial list that appears designed to settle his political IOUs rather than address urgent international relations crises.”

The party criticised the list for including mostly political supporters, their relatives, and members of the president’s party, noting that the appointment of Yakubu “blurs what should be a distinct line between players and umpires” and risks making future elections transactional.

While acknowledging that there is no legal “cooling-off” period, the ADC argued that ethical considerations should guide such appointments to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.

The party concluded by calling on Prof. Yakubu to reject the post to preserve INEC’s credibility, the integrity of future elections, and his own legacy, warning that failure to do so should prompt the Senate to act in the interest of the nation.