The Network for Good Governance in Nigeria (NGGN) has tackled the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for alleging that the nomination of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as an ambassador-designate “confirms” that he was partisan in the 2023 general elections.
In a statement on Sunday, Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC spokesman, had asked the immediate past INEC Chairman to reject the appointment, asking the Senate not to clear him if he accepts it.
Reacting on Monday, Comrade Hakeem Mafunnwa of Network for Good Governance in Nigeria (NGGN), said the allegation was not only unfounded but also contradicts the ADC’s documented praise of Prof. Yakubu’s integrity.
“The ADC once described Yakubu as “on the right side of history. On the occasion of INEC’s recognition of the ADC’s leadership, the same ADC
National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, wrote:
“We congratulate ADC members and all lovers of democracy in Nigeria.
“We commend @INECNigeria 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. Arise and shine, Nigeria!
“This commendation was issued after Prof. Yakubu defied intense political pressure to do what was lawful and democratic. It is therefore logically inconsistent—and ethically troubling—for the same individual to now claim that the same man’s integrity was compromised simply because he has been nominated for further national service after completing his statutory tenure. Principle does not evaporate due to political mood swings.
“Post-tenure public service does not invalidate electoral neutrality.
Nigeria’s democratic history is clear: * Prof. Attahiru Jega, after conducting the 2015 elections that brought President Buhari to power, went on to serve the Buhari government in multiple capacities.
“No serious political actor suggested this retroactively proved partisanship. Similarly, Prof. Yakubu has completed his tenure. He is not being appointed to a political office. He is being considered for a diplomatic role—one that relies on expertise, experience, and global networks built over decades.”
Mafunnwa went further to cite examples of people across the globe who took up various leadership positions after serving as heads of electoral commission.
“Global practice completely demolishes the ADC’s argument. Across democracies: Canada’s former Chief Electoral Officer Jean-Pierre Kingsley undertook government-endorsed global assignments after his tenure.
“India’s former Chief Election Commissioners routinely head national
commissions and international missions. South African IEC alumni frequently take up state-recommended diplomatic and governance roles.
“No democracy interprets post-service appointment as proof that past elections were compromised. Only political convenience produces that conclusion. The line between “umpire” and “player” remains unbroken.
“An ambassadorial posting is not a partisan reward. It does not involve party
membership, political campaigning, or advisory role to the ruling party. It is a
representational function of statehood.
International diplomacy is not a partisan activity. It is a constitutional function of the Nigerian state. The timing strengthens, not weakens, the national interest. Nigeria is experiencing a sensitive diplomatic phase, particularly with the United States. In such moments, democracies deploy their most experienced technocrats—individuals with global networks, legitimacy, and institutional knowledge.”
