Atiku Slams Tinubu Over Yakubu’s Ambassadorial Nomination, Says It “Damages Public Trust”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to nominate the immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, for an ambassadorial position. Atiku said he would never make such a nomination if he were president.

Atiku, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), described the move as troubling and capable of being seen as a political reward rather than a merit-based appointment.

“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 on his X account Thursday.

He argued that the decision “presents terrible optics for an administration already struggling with credibility,” warning that it sends the wrong message to the electoral commission. According to him, it risks appearing like a quid pro quo rather than a recognition of competence.

“It sends the wrong message to the current @inecnigeria leadership; that partisan, compromised, or poorly executed elections may ultimately be rewarded,” he added.

Atiku stressed that it was “morally indefensible” for an electoral official at the centre of one of Nigeria’s most contested elections to benefit from the administration that emerged from that process.

“This is not the path to strengthening our democracy or restoring public trust in our institutions,” he said.

The nomination, made by President Tinubu, is currently awaiting review by the National Assembly.