The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticised President Bola Tinubu’s recent list of ambassadorial nominees, calling it “scandalous” and a threat to Nigeria’s international reputation.
On Saturday, Tinubu submitted 32 names to the Senate, following an earlier batch of three nominees. The list includes high-profile figures and controversial personalities such as Mahmood Yakubu, former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); Reno Omokri, former presidential aide; and Femi Fani-Kayode, former aviation minister.
In a statement, PDP National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong questioned the suitability of several nominees, citing past “anti-democratic conduct” and raising concerns about their ability to represent Nigeria effectively abroad.
Ememobong also criticised the administration’s delay in compiling the list, noting that nearly three years had passed without producing what he described as “excellent candidates.” He said, “While most Nigerians are appalled by the nominations, they are not entirely surprised, given the history and disposition of this administration.”
Highlighting Mahmood Yakubu’s nomination, the PDP described it as particularly alarming ahead of the 2027 elections. “Offering him an ambassadorial role at this time exemplifies a skewed reward system. We fear it may serve as an incentive for the new INEC chairman to oversee flawed elections in 2027,” the statement said.
The party urged President Tinubu to withdraw the nominations and replace them with individuals of “stellar democratic credentials and high moral standing” capable of representing Nigeria with dignity on the global stage.
“Sending ambassadors with tainted political backgrounds is not only a disservice to Nigeria but risks a diplomatic low point,” Ememobong added.
