Nigeria Grapples with Backlash Over Tinubu’s New Ambassadorial List

Nigeria is facing a wave of debate after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu released his new ambassadorial nominations a list meant to fill the country’s long empty diplomatic positions but which has instead sparked criticism and concern across the nation.

Since taking office, Tinubu recalled all ambassadors, leaving Nigeria’s missions abroad largely under chargés d’affaires. For citizens abroad, this created months of uncertainty, slower consular services, and stalled bilateral engagements. Many hoped the new list, announced on 29 November 2025, would signal a reset a chance to restore Nigeria’s voice on the global stage.

The list, containing 32 nominees, blends career diplomats with political figures, including high-profile names such as former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, former minister Femi Fani-Kayode, and media personality Reno Omokri. While some see this as a political balance, critics argue it raises serious questions about merit and competence.

The opposition was swift to react. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) described the list as “reprehensible” and urged its withdrawal. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) criticized Yakubu’s nomination as “insensitive,” highlighting unresolved issues surrounding Nigeria’s 2023 elections. Civil society voices warn that the list risks projecting Nigeria as a nation where diplomatic roles are rewards for political loyalty rather than appointments based on integrity and skill.

For ordinary Nigerians, the nominations feel personal. Students, businesspeople, and citizens living abroad rely on Nigerian embassies for support, and any perceived lack of preparedness or credibility in these appointments can affect their daily lives. Many wonder: will these envoys strengthen Nigeria’s position internationally, or weaken it?

Diplomacy is more than titles and travel documents. Ambassadors are the voice and face of a nation. They negotiate partnerships, safeguard citizens, and promote the country’s values. Critics of the list argue that appointments perceived as politically motivated may undermine these responsibilities at a time when Nigeria’s global image is fragile.

The Senate now has the responsibility of reviewing and confirming the nominations a process under intense public scrutiny. Analysts say that how the nominees are screened could either restore confidence or deepen skepticism about Nigeria’s diplomatic strategy.

This moment is more than politics. It is a reflection of how Nigeria chooses to present itself to the world, and whether merit, competence, and national interest will guide decisions over loyalty and convenience. For a nation of 220 million people, with aspirations on the global stage, these choices matter not just for today, but for the credibility of Nigeria for years to come.