Abuja, Dec. 1, 2025 — The Presidency has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ambassadorial nominations, insisting that the appointments fall squarely within his constitutional prerogative and reflect his judgment of what is best for Nigeria’s foreign policy direction.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief programme, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, Ademola Oshodi, explained that ambassadorial appointments are inherently political and that presidents across the world routinely nominate trusted allies or individuals with whom they have long-standing relationships. He cited examples from the United States and the United Kingdom, noting that such practices are not unusual in global diplomacy. “Whether it’s Donald Trump sending his friends as ambassadors, or the British government posting Peter Mandelson to Washington despite controversies, it is the nature of the business,” Oshodi said The Punch TVC News abntv.com.ng.
The Presidency’s clarification comes amid mixed reactions to Tinubu’s list of 32 nominees, which includes 15 career diplomats and 17 non-career appointees. While some observers welcomed the move as filling a long-standing vacuum in Nigeria’s foreign missions, others criticized the calibre of nominees, alleging nepotism and regional imbalance. Civil society groups such as the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) described the list as “unfortunate and disgraceful,” arguing that the appointments were not based on merit or negotiation skills required for effective diplomacy The Guardian Nigeria.
The controversy deepened with the inclusion of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), whose nomination as ambassador has been condemned by opposition parties such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Critics argue that Yakubu’s swift transition from electoral umpire to diplomat undermines public trust and blurs the line between players and referees in Nigeria’s democratic process. The ADC warned that the appointment could set a dangerous precedent, eroding confidence in the neutrality of future electoral commissions Business Hallmark.
Despite the criticisms, the Presidency has maintained that Tinubu’s choices are guided by competence, loyalty, and the need to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic presence globally. Officials argue that the President’s prerogative is not only constitutional but also strategic, as ambassadorial postings are critical to advancing Nigeria’s economic diplomacy agenda. Tinubu has repeatedly emphasized that his administration’s foreign policy will prioritize trade, investment, and security partnerships, meaning that his nominees are expected to align with these objectives.
The debate over the ambassadorial list underscores the delicate balance between political patronage and professional diplomacy. While career diplomats often stress the importance of technical expertise and negotiation skills, political appointees are seen as extensions of presidential influence abroad. Analysts note that Tinubu’s nominations reflect both the realities of Nigerian politics and the global norm of blending career and non-career ambassadors. However, the controversy also highlights the growing demand for transparency and meritocracy in public appointments, especially in a country where foreign missions play a vital role in shaping international perceptions.
Ultimately, the Presidency’s defense of Tinubu’s prerogative signals a determination to assert executive authority in the face of criticism. Whether the Senate confirms all nominees or rejects some, the episode illustrates the tension between constitutional powers, political expectations, and public accountability in Nigeria’s evolving democracy.
Sources: Punch The Punch, Guardian The Guardian Nigeria, Hallmark News Business Hallmark, TVC News TVC News, ABN TV abntv.com.ng, Naija News Naija News.
