Tinubu Group Blasts Atiku’s Criticism Of Former INEC Chief’s Appointment As Ambassador

The Democratic Front (TDF) has denounced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s criticism regarding the inclusion of the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the list of nominated ambassadors.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Mallam Danjuma Muhammad, and Secretary, Chief Wale Adedayo, TDF described Atiku’s position as myopic and self-serving.

The statement read: “In his usual manner, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar views Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s nomination as ambassador through a narrow prism of personal political interest, rather than the compelling demands of merit, competence, and national interest.

“TDF sadly notes that the former Vice President’s inability to move past the defeat he suffered in the 2023 presidential election has transformed him into a self-serving detractor who leverages criticism for political visibility.

“The sentiment and rampant selfishness with which Atiku Abubakar criticized Professor Yakubu’s nomination—insisting that the 2023 presidential election was the most disputed in Nigeria’s history, despite the verdicts of the Election Appeal Tribunal and the Nigerian Supreme Court—demonstrates that he is engaged in the antics of a desperate political grandstander, who lashes out at government policies and actions merely to remain perpetually in the headlines.

“We believe that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu considered all factors of merit and competence before presenting a credible list of ambassadorial nominees to the National Assembly. It is, therefore, unacceptable for anyone to ascribe sentimental motives to the President’s decision to include Professor Yakubu’s name on that list.

“At a time when false narratives about Nigeria on the international stage pose major threats to democracy, unity, and peaceful coexistence in the country, it is only fair and logical for a responsible government to appoint seasoned and experienced technocrats like the former INEC Chairman as ambassadors to defend the nation’s image and help change these false narratives.”

The group urged Nigerians to reject Atiku’s opportunistic criticism.