Atiku Rejects Tinubu’s Nomination of Former INEC Chair as Ambassador, Says Move Damages Public Trust
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has openly criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nomination of the immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, for an ambassadorial appointment. Atiku, who was the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), argued that the decision not only sends troubling signals but also risks undermining public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
In a statement released via his X handle on Thursday, Atiku declared unequivocally that he would never appoint a recently retired INEC chairman as an ambassador if he were President of Nigeria. His comments came shortly after reports confirmed Tinubu had submitted Yakubu’s name to the Senate for confirmation—an action that has since generated heated national debate.
“Let me state without ambiguity: under no circumstance would I, as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, nominate the immediate past INEC Chairman for an ambassadorial position,” Atiku wrote. He insisted that such a move “raises serious concerns” and risks being interpreted as a political reward rather than a merit-based appointment.
According to Atiku, appointing Mahmood Yakubu—who oversaw one of the most hotly contested and widely criticised elections in Nigeria’s recent history—creates terrible optics for an administration already plagued by questions of legitimacy. He argued that the decision sends the wrong message to both Nigerians and the current leadership of the electoral commission.
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“It risks appearing as a quid pro quo rather than a recognition of merit. It sends the wrong message to the current INEC leadership; that partisan, compromised, or poorly executed elections may ultimately be rewarded,” he said. Atiku added that rewarding an electoral umpire who presided over a disputed process is “morally indefensible.”
Atiku further emphasised that the move undermines efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy:
“This is not the path to strengthening our democracy or restoring public trust in our institutions.”
The nomination of Yakubu, who faced intense scrutiny following the controversial handling of the 2023 presidential election results, continues to divide public opinion. Critics argue that appointing the former INEC boss appears to validate allegations that the 2023 polls were manipulated in favour of the ruling party. Supporters of the administration, however, insist that Yakubu is entitled to serve in government based on his qualifications.
As expected, the announcement sparked strong reactions across social media and online political forums. Many commenters interpreted the nomination as evidence that the former INEC chairman is being rewarded for his role in the last election. Others dismissed Atiku’s criticism as political theatre from a man who has contested repeatedly for the presidency without success.
Some respondents mocked Atiku’s statement, insisting he would never have the opportunity to implement such a policy since he is unlikely to become president. Others accused politicians from all sides of lacking credibility, arguing that both major parties are guilty of similar practices when in power.
Despite the heated reactions, the final decision rests with the National Assembly, where Yakubu’s nomination awaits legislative review. If confirmed, the former INEC chairman will join the list of political appointees representing Nigeria abroad.
However, Atiku’s warning underscores a deeper national concern: the perception that political offices are increasingly used as rewards for loyalty rather than competence. For many Nigerians demanding electoral reform and strengthened institutions, the controversy reignites long-standing fears about the independence of the electoral process and the integrity of democratic governance.