President Bola Tinubu has nominated 65 individuals, including former governors, senators, and career diplomats, for ambassadorial positions.
The nominees include Mahmood Yakubu, former INEC chairman; Reno Omokri, ex-presidential aide; Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, ex-Enugu governor; and Okezie Ikpeazu, ex-Abia governor.
The list comprises 34 career ambassadors and high commissioners and 31 non-career ambassadors and high commissioners.
Notable career nominees include Sulu-Gambari Ahmed from Kwara State and Segun Ige from Edo State, while non-career nominees include former senator Ita Enang and ex-Imo State First Lady Chioma Ohakim.
The Senate will screen and confirm the nominees, with the process expected to be completed within a week.
The nominees are expected to be deployed to key diplomatic missions in countries such as China, India, Canada, UAE, South Africa, Kenya, and major international organisations like the UN, UNESCO, and AU.
The nominations have sparked debate, with some critics accusing the president of rewarding political loyalty over merit.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the nomination of Mahmood Yakubu, citing concerns over INEC’s neutrality.
