:
By Our Correspondent
The African Democratic Congress ADC has strongly criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubus newly released ambassadorial list, warning that the nomination of former Independent National Electoral Commission INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, threatens the credibility of Nigerias electoral system.
In a statement on Sunday, the ADC described the inclusion of Yakubu and several politically exposed individuals as insensitive and damaging to the nations democratic image. The party argued that appointing a former electoral umpire, especially after a heavily contested general election, to a high profile diplomatic post undermines public trust in the independence of INEC.
The ADC said the decision creates the impression that senior electoral officials can be rewarded with political appointments after overseeing elections. According to the party, this blurs the distinction between election officials and political actors, and could compromise the impartiality expected in future electoral processes.
The party urged both the Senate and Prof Yakubu to reject the nomination in order to protect the credibility of Nigerias democratic institutions. It stressed that ambassadorial positions should be filled by individuals whose integrity is widely accepted, not by persons whose previous roles have generated public controversy.
The ADC also reminded the Federal Government of the setbacks caused by the long delay in appointing ambassadors after all envoys were recalled in 2023. It said that for more than two years, many Nigerian missions abroad have operated without substantive ambassadors, a situation that has weakened the countrys diplomatic presence and global engagements.
As the Senate prepares to screen the new nominees, the ADCs criticism has added to the growing public debate surrounding the list. Analysts note that the controversy may intensify discussions about the need to maintain clear boundaries between political appointments and institutions responsible for safeguarding democracy.
Public attention now turns to whether the Senate will approve Yakubus nomination, despite increasing calls for a more transparent and neutral approach to diplomatic appointments.
