ADC flags alarm over former INEC chair in new ambassadorial list
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Finally, the ADC urged Prof. Yakubu to reject the nomination to protect INEC’s credibility and his own legacy. If he does not, the party called on the Senate to reject his nomination to maintain public confidence in Nigeria’s elections
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s new list of ambassadorial nominees, calling it a political reward list instead of a plan to fix Nigeria’s poor image abroad.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the nomination of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) raises serious ethical and integrity questions.
The ADC noted that INEC is still battling with low public trust after the controversial 2023 elections.
The party said Yakubu’s nomination supports claims that he may not have been neutral during the 2023 election, which produced President Tinubu and left INEC with a damaged reputation.
According to the ADC, the timing of the nomination is wrong and harmful. The party said Nigeria needs disciplined and credible ambassadors to restore the country’s image, not a list filled with “political job seekers, corruption suspects, and relatives of political allies.”
The statement described Yakubu’s inclusion as “insensitive,” arguing that accepting the appointment would blur the line between election officials and political beneficiaries.
The ADC warned that this could set a bad example, making future INEC leaders view their positions as pathways to political rewards.
The party also questioned the basis for Yakubu’s nomination. It said most nominees fall into three groups: former diplomats, political supporters or their relatives, and ruling party members. The ADC asked where Yakubu fits among these groups.
Although the party admitted no law stops him from becoming an ambassador, it said ethical standards should guide such decisions, especially when they affect democracy.
Finally, the ADC urged Prof. Yakubu to reject the nomination to protect INEC’s credibility and his own legacy. If he does not, the party called on the Senate to reject his nomination to maintain public confidence in Nigeria’s elections.
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