President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent the names of 32 individuals, including former Oyo First Lady Florence Ajimobi, to the Senate for confirmation as ambassadors. The list comprises 15 career diplomats and 17 non-career nominees. The opposition PDP has criticized the selections as including disgraced figures.
On November 29, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu forwarded a list of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Nigerian Senate for screening and confirmation. The nominees consist of 15 career ambassadors and 17 non-career designates, as announced in a statement by Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga. The submission follows two letters addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, urging expeditious consideration.
Among the non-career nominees is Dr. (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi, wife of the late former Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi. Other prominent non-career figures include former INEC Chairman Mahmud Yakubu, former presidential aide Reno Omokri from Delta State, ex-Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode from Osun State, former Enugu Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former Abia Governor Victor Okezie Ikpeazu, former Lagos Deputy Governor Femi Pedro, and Senator Jimoh Ibrahim from Ondo State. The career list features individuals such as Enebechi Monica Okwuchukwu from Abia, Yakubu Nyaku Danladi from Taraba, and Ambassador Shehu Barde from Katsina.
The nominees are slated for postings to key diplomatic missions in countries like China, India, South Korea, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and organizations including the United Nations and African Union, pending Senate approval. This batch follows an earlier submission of three nominees last week: Ambassador Ayodele Oke from Oyo, Ambassador Amin Mohammed Dalhatu from Jigawa, and Retired Colonel Lateef Kayode Are from Ogun, potentially for the UK, USA, or France.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reacted sharply, demanding the list's withdrawal. The party described the nominees as 'disgraced propagandists and characterless politicians,' highlighting concerns over their suitability for diplomatic roles. President Tinubu has indicated more nominations will follow soon.
