PDP CONDEMNS AMBASSADORIAL NOMINEES, CALLS LIST ‘SCANDALOUS’

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s list of ambassadorial nominees, describing it as “scandalous” and reflective of the administration’s values.

In a statement signed by Comrade Ini Ememobong, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, the opposition party accused the nominees of being “disgraced propagandists, characterless politicians, and public officials” whose integrity is widely questioned both in Nigeria and internationally.

The PDP said the appointments were “not just a sad commentary on Nigeria’s history of diplomatic representation; they are reprehensible and scandalous.” The party noted that while many Nigerians were appalled by the nominations, they were not entirely surprised given the administration’s history.

“The nominees are a direct reflection of the values and estimation of the nominator. By making these nominations, the President has shown Nigerians that these are the best people he has to represent the country abroad,” the statement said.

The PDP singled out Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), condemning his nomination as ambassador. The party accused Yakubu’s tenure at INEC of being marred by “double-speaks, flip-flops, and undelivered promises,” which it claimed led to the election of the current administration.

The opposition further described the nomination as a “skewed reward system” potentially intended to incentivize the new INEC chairman to conduct “flawed elections in 2027.”

“Appointing and sending ambassadors with tainted political profiles is a disservice to Nigeria and a setup for a diplomatic low,” the PDP said, urging President Tinubu to withdraw the list and renominate individuals with “stellar democratic credentials and high moral standing.”

The statement concluded by emphasizing that a country’s respect on the global stage is tied to the integrity of its leaders and envoys.