ABUJA—The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken aim at President Bola Tinubu for his failure to appoint ambassadors to Nigeria’s foreign missions, warning that this prolonged delay is damaging the country’s international reputation and weakening its diplomatic relationships.
In a statement from the party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC raised alarm over Nigeria’s absence of ambassadors for over two years.
Labeling the situation as ’embarrassing’, the party cautioned that it could lead to diplomatic downgrades from other nations.
“Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recalled all 109 ambassadors in 2023, none have been replaced. This has left Nigeria without effective representation at global forums where critical decisions impacting our country are made,” the statement articulated.
The ADC noted that the lack of ambassadors has worsened visa and consular issues, particularly with the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
The party argued that lower-ranking diplomats or chargé d’affaires do not possess the authority or recognition needed to adequately represent Nigeria’s interests.
“The government’s failure to appoint ambassadors has significantly affected our diplomatic relations with countries that host Nigerian missions.