Atiku: “As President, I Won’t Appoint a Past INEC Chairman as Ambassador”

Former VP Condemns Tinubu’s Nomination of Mahmood Yakubu

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the nomination of the immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, for an ambassadorial position.
Atiku, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said the move raises “serious concerns” and risks being seen as a political favour rather than a merit-based appointment.

“I Would Never Do That as President” — Atiku

In a post shared on his X account on Thursday, Atiku made his stance clear:

“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.”

He argued that the decision sends a troubling message, particularly at a time when the current administration is battling a credibility deficit.

Atiku: Nomination Creates ‘Terrible Optics’

According to Atiku, President Tinubu’s nomination of the former electoral chief “presents terrible optics” and undermines public confidence in the electoral system.
He warned that the appointment risks being perceived as a quid pro quo, especially after an election cycle many Nigerians found controversial.

“It risks appearing as a quid pro quo rather than a recognition of merit. It sends the wrong message to the current @inecnigeria leadership; that partisan, compromised, or poorly executed elections may ultimately be rewarded.”

“Morally Indefensible” — Atiku Questions Integrity of the Move

Atiku further stressed that it is morally indefensible to reward an electoral umpire who oversaw one of Nigeria’s most disputed elections with a prestigious government appointment.

He insisted that such decisions do not promote democratic growth nor help rebuild the fading trust citizens have in public institutions.

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

What Happens Next?

President Tinubu’s nomination of Mahmood Yakubu is now before the National Assembly and is awaiting legislative consideration. Analysts say the debate surrounding the nomination may intensify as lawmakers deliberate on the appropriateness of appointing a recently departed INEC chairman to a diplomatic role.