The Digest:
Former Vice President and presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has issued a scathing public rebuke. He declared he would never, as president, nominate an immediate past INEC chairman for an ambassadorial role, calling President Bola Tinubu's nomination of Mahmood Yakubu a political reward that undermines electoral integrity.
Key Points:
- Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu's nomination of ex-INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu as an ambassador.
- Atiku stated unequivocally that he would "never" make such an appointment if he were president, calling it "morally indefensible."
- He argued the nomination risks being seen as a "quid pro quo" or political reward for the conduct of the 2023 election, which he disputes.
- Atiku warned that it sends the wrong message to the current INEC leadership and damages the administration's "credibility" and public trust in institutions.
- The nomination is currently awaiting legislative consideration by the Senate.
- Atiku framed the decision as contrary to strengthening Nigeria's democracy and restoring faith in its electoral process.
Sources: Vanguard Nigeria, The Guardian
