The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria’s main opposition party, has strongly rejected the list of ambassadorial nominees recently presented to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu. The party described the selection as “reprehensible and scandalous,” suggesting the list rewards political loyalty rather than merit.

The primary opposition was targeted at the nomination of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The PDP stated that his inclusion on the list raises serious questions and serves as a reflection of the values championed by the Tinubu administration.

President Tinubu submitted the list containing thirty-two additional ambassadorial nominees to the Senate on Saturday. The nominees include Prof. Yakubu, former presidential aide Reno Omokri, former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode, and former Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Okezie Ikpeazu, among others.