President Bola Tinubu’s Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, Ademola Oshodi, has defended the inclusion of former INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, in the President’s latest ambassadorial nominations.
Speaking on ARISE News on Tuesday, Oshodi said the reactions trailing the list were not unexpected, but maintained that the President’s selections were driven by context, competence, and strategic national priorities.
According to him, every appointment “is a review of the particular context, background, objectives, and strategic imperatives” of the position. He stressed that the list reflected a deliberate balance, covering career diplomats, political nominees, and less controversial figures.
Oshodi stated that while Nigerians may hold differing views, what ultimately matters is the President’s judgment of who can best support his mandate.
On Mahmood Yakubu
Responding to concerns about Yakubu, Oshodi highlighted the former INEC chairman’s long service in national institutions and emphasized “loyalty to the administration” as a factor. He insisted Yakubu’s experience and alignment with the goals of the current government make him a suitable nominee.
On Femi Fani-Kayode
On Fani-Kayode, Oshodi argued that competence is relative and that diplomatic roles require different skill sets depending on the posting. He noted that being seen as divisive does not automatically disqualify a nominee:
“Everyone’s competence is different… Being divisive does not eliminate the importance of serving this country.”
He added that personal controversies should not overshadow professional abilities, saying the President has made a deliberate choice based on what he believes is best for Nigeria.
Vetting and Senate Screening
Oshodi also expressed confidence in the upcoming Senate screening. He explained that ambassadorial nominees undergo several layers of scrutiny — including checks by the DSS, ICPC, and even the governments of the countries to which they may be posted.
He stressed the urgency of filling ambassadorial seats after a long period without substantive diplomats, noting that Nigeria needs representatives abroad “to promote the country economically, culturally, and security-wise.”
Tinubu’s Nomination List
Earlier, Tinubu had submitted 32 names to the Senate for confirmation, days after sending an initial batch of three.
The list includes:
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Prof. Mahmood Yakubu
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Femi Fani-Kayode
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Several career diplomats and 10 women across both career and non-career categories
Specific postings will only be revealed after Senate confirmation.
Oshodi, in a separate statement reported by PUNCH Online, urged Nigerians to respect the President’s prerogative:
“We voted for a president, and we voted for him to make his decisions. This is the best the President has chosen… and it is the best for the success of his administration.”