NGGN Faults ADC Over Claim That Yakubu’s Ambassadorial Nomination “Confirms” Partisanship
The Network for Good Governance in Nigeria (NGGN) has dismissed as “illogical, inconsistent, and unsupported by facts” the African Democratic Congress’ (ADC) claim that the ambassadorial nomination of former INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, proves he was partisan during the 2023 general elections.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Hakeem Mafunnwa, the NGGN said the ADC’s position contradicts the party’s own previously documented praise of Prof. Yakubu, particularly by the same spokesperson who authored the latest allegation.
ADC Once Praised Yakubu as ‘Standing on the Right Side of History’
The NGGN highlighted that ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi—who signed the new statement attacking Yakubu—had publicly commended the former INEC chairman’s integrity when the Commission recognized the ADC leadership.
In Abdullahi’s earlier message, he wrote:
“We commend INEC and its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, for standing on the right side of history and for standing up for the cause of multi-party democracy.”
The NGGN said this reversal raises concerns about the credibility and motives behind the ADC’s new claims.
“It is ethically troubling for the same individual to now declare that Yakubu’s integrity evaporated simply because he has been nominated for further national service,” Mafunnwa stated.
Post-Tenure Public Service Does Not Imply Partisanship
The group argued that Nigeria’s democratic history clearly shows that former electoral umpires often continue in national service without such appointments being seen as political rewards.
It cited the case of former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, who served the Buhari government in various capacities after supervising the 2015 elections, saying no serious political actor interpreted those roles as evidence of partisan conduct.
“Yakubu has completed his statutory tenure and is not being appointed to a partisan political office,” NGGN noted. “An ambassadorial role is a diplomatic assignment—not a party reward.”
Global Democratic Norms Support Post-Service Appointments
Drawing comparisons from other democracies, the NGGN said the ADC’s arguments collapse when placed against global practice.
It mentioned that:
• Canada’s former Chief Electoral Officer, Jean-Pierre Kingsley, undertook government-endorsed global assignments after leaving office.
• India’s former Chief Election Commissioners routinely head state bodies and international missions.
• Former South African IEC officials continue to serve in diplomatic and governance roles.
“No democracy interprets post-service appointment as proof that past elections were compromised. Only political convenience produces that conclusion,” Mafunnwa said.
Ambassadorial Nomination Is Not Partisan
According to NGGN, the line between electoral umpire and political actor remains clear, as diplomacy does not require party membership or political involvement.
“An ambassador represents the Nigerian state, not the ruling party,” the group stressed.
Nigeria Needs Experienced Hands at a Sensitive Diplomatic Moment
The group added that Nigeria is currently navigating complex foreign relations, particularly with countries such as the United States, making it crucial to deploy individuals with international networks and credibility.
“Prof. Yakubu has represented Nigeria on dozens of electoral missions and earned global respect. Failing to utilise such expertise would be a disservice to the nation,” the statement said.
Calling on Yakubu to Reject His Nomination Is Misguided
NGGN said those calling on Yakubu to reject his nomination misunderstand how institutional integrity works.
“Yakubu served his full tenure, avoided political office while in service, and has maintained dignity after departure. He owes Nigeria his continued service—not political rhetoric,” the group argued.
‘Facts Matter. Consistency Matters.’
The NGGN urged political actors to avoid “selective memory masquerading as democratic vigilance,” warning that inconsistent narratives undermine public trust in institutions.
“You cannot praise a man as ‘standing on the right side of history’ when his actions favour you and then accuse him of partisanship when the political atmosphere changes,” Mafunnwa said.
The group concluded that Prof. Yakubu’s nomination aligns with global democratic norms and does not alter the integrity of the elections he conducted.
“At this critical diplomatic moment, Nigeria needs its best hands abroad—not manufactured controversies that weaken our international posture.”
Signed:
Comrade Hakeem Mafunnwa
Network for Good Governance in Nigeria (NGGN)
Abuja, Nigeria
