The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the list of ambassadorial nominees submitted to the Senate by President Bola Tinubu on Saturday, describing it as “reprehensible” and “scandalous” and a setback for Nigeria’s diplomatic image.

Mr Tinubu forwarded 32 names to the Senate for confirmation, days after submitting an initial batch of three nominees.

Among those on the new list are former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu; former presidential aide, Reno Omokri; former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode; and former Enugu State governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

In a statement signed by its national publicity secretary, Ini Ememobong, the PDP said the list features “disgraced propagandists, characterless politicians, and public officials” who are held in poor regard by many Nigerians and the international community.

The party said many citizens are alarmed, though not surprised, by the president’s choices, noting that the selection reflects the administration’s tendencies.

“It is an incontestable fact that a nominee is a direct reflection of the values of the nominator. By making these nominations, the president has shown Nigerians that these are the best people he has to represent our country abroad,” the statement read.

The PDP also criticised the delay in compiling the list, saying the three-year wait “speaks to the paucity of excellent people within his reach.”

The party expressed displeasure at the nomination of former INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu, accusing him of overseeing an electoral process marked by “double-speak, flip-flops, and undelivered promises,” which it said laid the foundation for an administration struggling in all areas of governance.

“To offer him an ambassadorial appointment at a time like this is a skewed reward system, which we suspect is aimed at incentivising the new INEC chairman to deliver flawed elections in 2027,” the statement added.

The PDP warned that the integrity of any country’s ambassadors contributes significantly to its global standing, arguing that sending individuals with “tainted political profiles” abroad risks plunging Nigeria into “a diplomatic all-time low.”

The party therefore called on Mr Tinubu to withdraw the list and forward new nominees with “stellar democratic” credentials and high moral standing, capable of earning global respect.