The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has denounced President Bola Tinubu’s newly released list of ambassadorial nominees, describing it as “reprehensible” and “scandalous”.
On Saturday, Tinubu forwarded 32 nominees to the senate, following an earlier submission of three names.
The list features Mahmood Yakubu, former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); Reno Omokri, former presidential aide; Femi Fani-Kayode, former aviation minister; Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former Enugu governor; among others.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Ini Ememobong, the PDP’s national publicity secretary, questioned the credibility of several nominees, alleging that some have histories of “anti-democratic conduct”.
Ememobong added that the president’s nearly three-year delay in compiling the list highlights what he called the “paucity of excellent people” available to him.
“While most Nigerians are seriously appalled by the inclusion of most of the nominees, they are not totally surprised, given the history and disposition of this administration,” the statement said.
He further stated that a nominee reflects the values of the individual who nominates them.
“By making these nominations, the President has shown Nigerians that these are the best people he has to represent our country in the countries where they will be posted,” he added.
The PDP described the situation as a “sad commentary” on Nigeria’s diplomatic standing, singling out Mahmood Yakubu, the former INEC chairman.
According to the party, offering him an ambassadorial position at this time represents “a skewed reward system,” suggesting it might serve as motivation for the new INEC chairman to deliver “flawed elections in 2027” in exchange for potential future benefits.
“This is absolutely scandalous and completely unacceptable,” the statement said.
The party urged Tinubu to withdraw the list and instead nominate individuals with “stellar democratic credentials and high moral standing” capable of earning international respect.
It added that appointing ambassadors with questionable political backgrounds would deal a significant blow to Nigeria’s global reputation and risk plunging the country into “a diplomatic all-time low.”