Opposition, APC Clash Over Tinubu Nominees
By Akeem Oduyoye
Not fewer than 32 ambassadorial nominees have sparked a heated dispute between opposition parties and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) following their submission by President Bola Tinubu to the Senate.
The nominees, part of the President’s first major diplomatic appointments since recalling all envoys two years ago, include a mix of career diplomats and political figures. The list is expected to fill Nigeria’s foreign missions in key countries and international organizations.
According to the Presidency, 15 of the nominees are career diplomats, while 17 are non-career political appointees, including four women among the career diplomats and six women among the non-career nominees. Several prominent figures, such as former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, former governors, and past political aides, were included on the list.
Opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), criticized the nominations, accusing the President of rewarding political allies and undermining Nigeria’s image abroad. They particularly singled out the nomination of Yakubu, calling it controversial and “scandalous.”
The APC, however, dismissed the criticisms, describing them as unfounded and insisting that all nominees are qualified to represent Nigeria internationally. A party spokesperson stressed that the appointments recognize public service and are not meant as political rewards.
The nominees are expected to be posted to major countries including the United States, United Kingdom, China, India, France, and South Africa, as well as multilateral missions such as the United Nations, UNESCO, and the African Union. The Presidency emphasized that all nominees will know their specific assignments after Senate confirmation.
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions over political appointments and the balance between career diplomats and political nominees in shaping Nigeria’s foreign policy.