Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly opposed the nomination of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for an ambassadorial position, describing the move as “morally indefensible” and politically problematic.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page and obtained by Arise News on Thursday, Atiku said the nomination raises serious concerns about the integrity and optics of Nigeria’s current administration.
He argued that appointing Yakubu could be interpreted as a reward for actions during his tenure at INEC, potentially undermining public confidence in electoral processes.
“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.
”Such a nomination raises serious concerns,” Atiku said.
The former vice president warned that the appointment could appear as a quid pro quo rather than recognition of merit.
He noted that it sends the wrong message to the current INEC leadership under Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), suggesting that “partisan, compromised, or poorly executed elections may ultimately be rewarded.”
Atiku emphasised that the nomination presents “terrible optics” for an administration already grappling with credibility issues.
He added that it does not align with the principles of strengthening democracy or restoring trust in Nigeria’s institutions.
“This is not the path to strengthening our democracy or restoring public trust in our institutions,” he said.
The remarks are likely to intensify debate over President Bola Tinubu’s recent ambassadorial nominations, which include several high-profile political figures, prompting questions about meritocracy, partisanship, and governance standards.
