The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recently released list of ambassadorial nominations, describing it as a blatant reward system for political loyalists rather than a merit-based national assignment. The party expressed particular outrage over the inclusion of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), noting that his nomination comes barely two years after he presided over the controversial 2023 election that brought the Tinubu administration to power.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC asserted that Yakubu’s nomination reinforces widespread fears that he may not have been an impartial electoral umpire during the 2023 polls. The party condemned the move as “dangerous, insensitive, and damaging to Nigeria’s democratic image,” emphasizing that it occurs at a time when INEC is still grappling with the credibility crisis stemming from the last general election.

Abdullahi stated, “Elevating Prof. Yakubu to an ambassadorial role sends a troubling signal to Nigerians and the international community, suggesting that electoral officials may be rewarded for perceived loyalty rather than 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. Additionally, the party called on the Senate to reject the nomination as a critical step toward rebuilding public trust in the electoral process.