ADC criticises President Tinubu’s nomination of Prof. Yakubu as ambassador, citing risks to INEC neutrality and public trust in Nigeria’s elections
Abuja, Nigeria – The African Democratic Congress on Sunday criticised President Bola Tinubu’s nomination of former Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, as an ambassador, describing the appointment as a national embarrassment.
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Yakubu, who concluded his 10-year tenure at INEC only weeks ago, was included among 32 ambassadorial nominees forwarded to the Senate on Saturday.
The nomination has reignited debate over the integrity of Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election, particularly regarding the failure of real-time transmission of results.
In a statement, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, argued that appointing Yakubu so soon after leaving office “further erodes public trust” in the impartiality of the electoral system.
“This particular appointment of Prof. Yakubu blurs what should be a distinct line between players and umpires,” Abdullahi said.
“If allowed to stand, it would set a dangerous precedent where future INEC chairmen and commissioners may begin to see their positions as stepping stones to political rewards.
Once that mindset enters the bloodstream of our electoral system, neutrality becomes impossible, partisanship becomes inevitable, and elections become transactional.”
Abdullahi highlighted that most nominees are either career diplomats, political supporters, or relatives of the President, questioning which category Yakubu fits.
The ADC said the appointment raises “serious ethical questions” and urged civil society and democratic institutions to voice their concerns.
“We therefore urge Prof. Yakubu to do the patriotic thing and decline this appointment for the sake of INEC’s institutional credibility, the integrity of future elections, and the preservation of his own legacy.
Should he fail to do so, we call on the Senate to reject his nomination,” Abdullahi added.
Yakubu, who served as INEC chairman from 2015 to 2025, is credited with reforms such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, the INEC Results Viewing Portal, and the expansion of continuous voter registration.
Other nominees include former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode and ex-Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
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The Presidency said the list of nominees comprises both career and non-career candidates and noted that all will undergo Senate screening and confirmation before assuming their posts.
