Opposition, APC Face Off Over Tinubu’s Envoy Nominees, Demands withdrawal

A strong political argument happened on Saturday after President Bola Tinubu sent a fresh list of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation. The development came in Abuja, two years after the President withdrew all envoys from Nigeria’s 109 foreign missions and left the posts without substantive heads. The move was meant to start a new phase in foreign policy, but it sparked a new wave of complaints from major opposition parties.

The new list brought the total number of nominees to 35, as earlier names had been submitted in smaller batches. Several opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress and New Nigeria Peoples Party, reacted immediately. They accused the President of using important diplomatic positions to reward political allies and individuals they believe should not be representing the country abroad. Their strongest objection centred on the inclusion of former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, who left office only weeks ago. They argued that his period in office ended with widespread doubts and mixed public reactions, which made his selection controversial.

The ruling All Progressives Congress responded by defending the list and dismissing all complaints. Party officials accused the opposition of stirring trouble and noted that previous electoral officials had also continued in public service after completing their work. The APC insisted that every nominee on the list was a Nigerian and qualified to serve in any capacity.

The President’s submission followed months of public concern. Since September 2023, when all ambassadors were withdrawn, most missions have relied on chargés d’affaires and senior consular officers. By early 2025, vetting had already been completed for many nominees, but the process slowed down due to internal reviews, political considerations and the need to adjust the list. In some cases, nominees died or became unfit to serve, prompting further corrections.

This fresh list sent by the President was confirmed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, who said the Senate had been asked to treat it quickly. The group of 32 nominees is made up of 15 career diplomats and 17 non-career nominees. The list includes several women, former governors, former ministers, advisers, lawmakers, and a number of experienced envoys who had served in various positions in the past. The career diplomats on the list come from many states across the country and have served in different capacities in previous years.

Many of the nominees are expected to take up posts in key countries including the United States, United Kingdom, China, India, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, South Africa, Kenya, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Others will join Nigeria’s missions to the United Nations, UNESCO and the African Union. Their exact stations will be assigned only after the Senate clears them.

Opposition parties continued to insist that the choices made by the President could harm the country’s image abroad. They claimed that the timing of the appointments and the inclusion of certain names raised concerns about fairness and proper judgment. The ADC described the list as a political favour to loyal members rather than a sincere attempt to rebuild diplomacy. Party officials also worried that some countries may take long to approve the nominees, especially major powers like the United States, Britain, and China, which could delay the full restoration of Nigeria’s diplomatic representation.

The NNPP also expressed worry about Yakubu’s inclusion, saying it delivered a wrong message so soon after the election cycle that brought the current administration into power. They argued that the appointment could create doubts about the intentions behind the selection.

The APC dismissed all these claims, insisting that the nominees were chosen to serve the country and not to settle political debts. Party officials argued that opposition parties were only trying to create tension. They said the former INEC chairman was not given a role related to elections, and that nothing prevented him from serving the country in any other field.

The clash between the parties continued throughout the day as each side held firm to its position while the Senate prepared to begin its confirmation process.