- PDP, ADC gang up, urge Yakubu, Senate to reject nomination
The Oore of Otun-Ekiti and paramount ruler of Moba land, Ekiti State, Oba Adekunle Adeagbo, has congratulated a former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, on his nomination as Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Fani-Kayode is a holder of the traditional title of Aare Ajagunla of Moba land, Otun Ekiti.
In a statement yesterday, Oba Adeagbo said: “We are delighted by this honour done to one of our sons, the Aare Ajagunla of Mobaland, Otun Ekiti, by the Federal Government.
“We are proud of you. Well done. More glory and more grace.
Additionally, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have urged the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to reject his nomination as an ambassador.
The opposition platform also urged the Senate to drop the former INEC chairman from the list, arguing that doing so is necessary to protect the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system.
The party said Yakubu’s nomination, coming barely two years after he oversaw the 2023 general election that brought President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to office, risks deepening public distrust in INEC and reinforcing perceptions that the former chairman may not have acted as a neutral umpire.
In a statement yesterday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the country is still grappling with a major confidence deficit in INEC following the contentious 2023 polls.
It warned that elevating the former electoral chief to a high-profile diplomatic role so soon after leaving office sends “an insensitive and troubling signal” at a time when the independence of democratic institutions should be strengthened, not weakened.
The party argued that even though the law does not prescribe a cooling-off period for former electoral officials, ethical standards require restraint, especially when such appointments could blur the line between political actors and electoral umpires.
It cautioned that allowing the nomination to stand may encourage future INEC leaders to view their positions as pathways to political reward, a development it said would be damaging to election neutrality.
The ADC maintained that Yakubu should decline the offer in the interest of institutional integrity, adding that if he does not, the Senate should reject the nomination to safeguard public trust in Nigeria’s democracy.
The PDP requested that President Tinubu withdraw the list of ambassadorial nominees sent to the National Assembly for clearance.
The main opposition said the list contains the names of some discredited persons.
A statement in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, reads: “The Peoples Democratic Party strongly condemns the list of ambassadorial nominees as submitted by President Bola Tinubu. This list contains the names of many people (disgraced propagandists, characterless politicians, and public officials) who are widely perceived negatively by Nigerians and the global community, for their integrity deficit and notable anti-democratic activities.
“This development is not just a sad commentary on our country’s history of diplomatic representation; it is very reprehensible and scandalous. While most Nigerians are seriously appalled by the inclusion of most of the nominees, they are not totally surprised, given the history and disposition of this administration.
“Furthermore, it is an incontestable fact that a nominee is a clear and direct reflection of the values and estimation of the nominator. 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.
“That it took the President almost three years to produce this list speaks to the paucity of excellent people within his reach.
“Specifically, we convey the disappointment of many right-thinking Nigerians on the nomination of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the immediate-past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), whose administration of our electoral umpire was characterised by countless double-speaks, flip-flops, and undelivered promises, which ultimately resulted in the birth of this administration, which is struggling in all areas of governance.
“To offer him an ambassadorial appointment at a time like this is an excellent exemplar of a skewed reward system, which we suspect is designed as an incentive to the new INEC Chairman, to also deliver flawed elections in 2027, in expectation of future rewards. This is absolutely scandalous and completely unacceptable.
“May we remind the President and all Nigerians 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. So, 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.
“To this end, we demand that President Bola Tinubu withdraw the said list and renominate only those with stellar democratic credentials and high moral standing, capable of commanding global respect for the ambassadorial assignments.”
Also, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has extended warm congratulations to Dr. Florence Ajimobi on her nomination for an ambassadorial role by President Tinubu.
In a statement at the weekend, the minister described the nomination as a “well-deserved honour and a testament to Mrs. Ajimobi’s exemplary character and dedication to service”.
The statement reads: “This nomination is a brilliant choice for our nation’s diplomatic corps. Mrs. Ajimobi is a woman of impeccable grace, sharp intellect, and a proven track record of leadership.
“Her lifelong commitment to philanthropy, women empowerment, and social development has prepared her aptly for the demanding role of representing Nigeria on the world stage.”
Adelabu thanked the President for the nomination, saying it is also a testament to “our nation’s commitment to leveraging its best and brightest minds for diplomatic service”.
