The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sharply criticised President Bola Tinubu’s newly submitted list of ambassadorial nominees, describing it as “scandalous” and unworthy of Nigeria’s diplomatic aspirations.
In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the party said the list features individuals it described as “disgraced propagandists, character-deficient politicians and compromised public officials” whose reputations, it claimed, are widely viewed unfavourably by Nigerians and the international community.
The PDP argued that the nominations reflect the values of the President, noting that the calibre of those nominated raises serious concerns about the standards guiding Nigeria’s diplomatic representation. It added that the nearly three-year delay in producing the list underscores what it called a shortage of credible individuals within the administration’s reach.
The opposition party specifically faulted the nomination of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging that his tenure was marked by inconsistencies and unfulfilled commitments that culminated in the emergence of the current administration. The PDP described the appointment as a troubling signal and a “skewed reward system” that could undermine confidence in future elections, particularly ahead of 2027.
According to the statement, the global respect accorded to any country is closely tied to the integrity of its President and diplomatic envoys. Appointing individuals with alleged controversial political histories, the PDP warned, risks diminishing Nigeria’s standing on the international stage.
The party called on President Tinubu to withdraw the list and present nominations that reflect high moral character, democratic credentials, and the ability to command global respect.
