Abuja – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has sharply condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent ambassadorial nominations, describing the list as a blatant reward system for political loyalists rather than a merit‑based national appointment. In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party singled out the inclusion of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as particularly troubling.
According to the ADC, Yakubu’s nomination – coming barely two years after he presided over the contested 2023 general election that brought the Tinubu administration to power – raises serious concerns about the impartiality of electoral officials. “Elevating Yakubu to an ambassadorial role at a time when INEC is yet to recover from the credibility crisis of the 2023 polls is dangerous, insensitive, and damaging to Nigeria’s democratic image,” the statement read.
The party warned that the move sends a troubling signal to Nigerians and the international community, suggesting that electoral officials may be rewarded for perceived loyalty instead of impartial service. The ADC urged Prof. Yakubu to reject the nomination “in his own best interest,” arguing that doing so would help salvage what remains of his public reputation. It also called on the Senate to reject the nomination as a critical step toward rebuilding public trust in the electoral process.
The ADC’s criticism comes as President Tinubu’s administration continues to defend the nominations, which include a mix of career diplomats and political appointees. The Senate is expected to review the list in the coming weeks, with the ADC’s statement likely to add further political heat to the confirmation process.
