PDP Faults Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees, Rejects Yakubu’s Inclusion

 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday berated the Presidency over the newly released list of 32 ambassadorial nominees, describing it as a disappointing compilation that falls short of national expectations.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the National Publicity Secretary of the Dr Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC), Comrade Ini Ememobong, said the list was “dominated by disgraced propagandists, character-deficient politicians and public officials burdened by integrity issues.”

According to the opposition party, Nigerians had expected a more credible slate of nominees considering the long delay before the release of the appointments.

“This development is not only a sad commentary on Nigeria’s diplomatic record; it is also reprehensible and scandalous,” Ememobong stated. He argued that the nominees reflected the President’s estimation of the kind of individuals he believes are competent to represent the country abroad.

The party reserved its strongest criticism for the inclusion of former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, describing his nomination as “scandalous” and “deeply disappointing.”

Ememobong said Yakubu’s tenure at INEC was marked by “flip-flops, unfulfilled promises and credibility concerns,” adding that offering him an ambassadorial position amounted to “a skewed reward system” which could embolden future electoral malpractice.

PDP said the international reputation of any nation is tied to the integrity of its President and appointed envoys, warning that deploying individuals with “tainted political profiles” would diminish Nigeria’s diplomatic standing.

The party called on President Bola Tinubu to withdraw the list and submit fresh nominees with “unimpeachable democratic credentials and unquestionable moral standing.”