Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has publicly declared that he would never appoint the immediate past chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as an ambassador if he were president. This statement is a direct criticism of President Bola Tinubu's recent decision.
Atiku's Strong Condemnation of the Nomination
Speaking on Thursday, December 4, 2025, Atiku Abubakar reacted to President Tinubu's move to nominate Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the former INEC chairman, as a non-career ambassador. Tinubu had included Yakubu among 68 nominees whose names were sent to the National Assembly for screening and confirmation.
Atiku stated unequivocally that he would not make such an appointment "under any circumstances" if he were Nigeria's president. He argued that the nomination creates terrible optics for an administration that is already grappling with credibility issues. According to the former presidential candidate, rewarding the former electoral umpire with a plum diplomatic post sends a dangerous signal to INEC's leadership that partisan or poorly executed elections could ultimately be rewarded.
Mixed Public Reactions Flood Social Media
Following Atiku's comments, Nigerians took to social media to express divergent views on the matter, highlighting the deep political divisions in the country.
Social media commentator Daniel Regha posed a pointed question to Atiku, asking if he would hold the same opinion had he been declared the winner of the last presidential election with Yakubu as INEC chairman. Regha challenged Atiku to instead speak clearly against religious extremism.
Another user, Atobajaye, supported Atiku's stance, lamenting that abnormality has become the norm in Nigeria, where people perceived to lack morals are compensated with positions. This, they argued, sets a bad example for the youth.
However, not all reactions were supportive. A user named Bassy criticized Atiku, reminding him of his past political endorsements and accusing him of contributing to the current political situation. Similarly, Momonny dismissed Atiku's comment, suggesting he focus on his role as a critic since the opportunity to become president may not arise.
The Underlying Controversy and Its Implications
The core of Atiku's objection lies in the perceived conflict of interest and the message it sends about electoral integrity. Mahmood Yakubu presided over INEC during the highly contentious 2023 general elections, which results Atiku and other candidates challenged in court. Nominating him for a prestigious diplomatic role is seen by critics as a political reward, potentially undermining public trust in the electoral process.
This incident underscores the ongoing debates about governance, political appointments, and the need for institutions like INEC to be seen as wholly independent and non-partisan. The public's split reaction further reflects the polarized nature of Nigerian politics, where actions are often viewed through the lens of partisan allegiance rather than overarching national principle.
