The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the list of ambassadorial nominees forwarded to the Senate by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the selections as “reprehensible and scandalous” and unfit to represent Nigeria on the global stage.
President Tinubu recently transmitted a list of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the National Assembly for confirmation, following an earlier batch of three names. Among those nominated are former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu; former presidential aide, Reno Omokri; former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode; and former Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, among others.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the PDP alleged that many of the nominees are “disgraced propagandists, characterless politicians, and public officials” who, in its view, are widely perceived negatively by Nigerians and the international community due to what it called “integrity deficits and notable anti-democratic activities.”
The party said Nigerians are “seriously appalled” by the composition of the list but “not totally surprised,” insisting that the move is consistent with what it described as the history and disposition of the current administration.
Nominees Reflect Presidential Values”: PDP Questions Integrity and Timing
The PDP argued that the list of nominees is a direct reflection of President Tinubu’s values, asserting that the individuals put forward by the presidency represent the kind of image the administration wishes to project abroad.
“It is an incontestable fact that a nominee is a clear and direct reflection of the values and estimation of the nominator,” the statement read, adding that 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.”
The opposition party further criticised the length of time it took the President to compile and submit the list, claiming that the delay “speaks to the paucity of excellent people within his reach.” President Tinubu is approaching his third year in office, and the PDP argues that such a delay only to produce what it considers a deeply controversial list raises serious questions about the administration’s commitment to credible diplomacy and governance standards.
The PDP also took particular issue with the nomination of the immediate past INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu. The party accused him of presiding over an electoral process allegedly characterised by “double-speaks, flip-flops, and undelivered promises,” insisting that these failures ultimately birthed the current administration which, according to the PDP, “is struggling in all areas of governance.”
To offer him an ambassadorial post “at a time like this,” the party said, is “an excellent exemplar of a skewed reward system,” claiming that the appointment may be interpreted as a signal to the new INEC leadership to “deliver flawed elections in 2027 in expectation of future rewards.”
“This is absolutely scandalous and completely unacceptable,” the statement declared.
Concerns Over Nigeria’s Global Image and Call for Fresh Nominations
Beyond individual names, the PDP framed the issue as a broader question of Nigeria’s international reputation and diplomatic standing. It warned that appointing ambassadors whose public profiles are allegedly tainted could undermine the country’s credibility abroad and damage its long-term diplomatic interests.
The party stressed that “the respect a country gets from other countries cannot be separated from the integrity profile and public perception of both the President and the Ambassadors.” In its view, deploying representatives who are dogged by controversy or perceived anti-democratic tendencies risks pushing Nigeria toward what it called “a diplomatic all-time low.”
Describing the development as “a sad commentary on our country’s history of diplomatic representation,” the PDP argued that ambassadorial postings must be reserved for Nigerians with unquestionable character, robust democratic credentials, and the capacity to command respect on the global stage.
To this end, the party issued a clear demand: President Tinubu should withdraw the current list and submit a fresh set of nominees. It called for the nomination of individuals with “stellar democratic credentials and high moral standing,” insisting that only such appointees can credibly promote Nigeria’s interests and values abroad.
“Appointing and sending ambassadors with tainted political profiles is not only a great disservice to Nigeria but a setup for a diplomatic all-time low,” the statement added, urging the President to reconsider the list in the interest of national image and international respect.
PDP Positions Issue as Test of Governance Standards
The ambassadorial nominations have now become another flashpoint in the ongoing contest between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP over issues of governance, integrity, and the conduct of key institutions.
By linking the nominations to alleged electoral shortcomings and broader questions of values in public office, the PDP is positioning the ambassadorial list as a litmus test for the Tinubu administration’s commitment to credible leadership at home and abroad.
As the Senate begins its screening process, attention is likely to focus on how lawmakers respond to the concerns raised by the opposition and by sections of the public. The debate around the list is expected to form part of wider conversations on political reward systems, accountability, and the kind of image Nigeria wishes to project on the international stage.
For now, the PDP’s position is unequivocal: withdraw the list, start afresh, and appoint only those whose public service records and personal integrity can withstand domestic and international scrutiny.
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