The African Democratic Congress has faulted President Bola Tinubu’s decision to nominate the immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, as an ambassador, describing the move as “ill-timed, inappropriate and damaging to public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.”
Yakubu, who exited office only weeks ago after completing a decade-long tenure, was named among 32 ambassadorial nominees forwarded to the Senate on Saturday. His inclusion has triggered renewed debate over the credibility of the 2023 presidential election, particularly the failure of the commission to transmit results electronically as repeatedly promised.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the appointment “further weakens public trust” and undermines the principle of neutrality expected of an electoral umpire.
“This particular appointment of Prof. Yakubu blurs what should be a distinct line between players and umpires,” Abdullahi said. “If this stands, future INEC chairmen and commissioners may begin to see their tenure as a ladder to political compensation. Once that mindset enters our system, neutrality disappears and elections become purely transactional.”
He questioned the basis for Yakubu’s selection, noting that most nominees fall into three categories: former career diplomats, political allies of the President or members of the ruling party. “We wonder in which of these categories Prof. Yakubu belongs,” he added.
Describing the nomination as a troubling ethical lapse, the ADC urged civil society and democratic institutions to resist what it called an attempt to “reward an election umpire immediately after service.” It also appealed to Yakubu to decline the offer.
“We urge Prof. Yakubu to put national interest first and reject this appointment. Should he refuse, we call on the Senate to reject his nomination in defence of the integrity of future elections,” Abdullahi said.
Yakubu, who headed INEC from 2015 to 2025, introduced several reforms including BVAS, the INEC Results Viewing Portal and an expanded voter registration process.
Other nominees include former aviation minister Femi Fani-Kayode and ex-governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. The Presidency says the list comprises career and non-career candidates and remains subject to Senate screening.
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