Oshodi defends Tinubu’s Ambassador Picks, saying the nominations reflect global norms and the President’s judgment of what is best for the country
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, Ademola Oshodi, on Monday defended President Bola Tinubu’s ambassadorial nominations, asserting in Lagos that the selections represent the President’s considered judgment of what is best for his administration and for Nigeria.
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Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Ademola Oshodi argued that political appointments to diplomatic roles were neither unusual nor improper, noting that presidents and prime ministers around the world routinely deploy trusted allies or long-standing associates to foreign missions.
Oshodi cited examples from the United States and the United Kingdom, stating that former US President Donald Trump frequently appointed friends as ambassadors, while the British government had at times posted influential political figures such as Peter Mandelson to strategic capitals. He described the practice as part of the “nature of the business”.
He emphasised that the President’s discretion must be respected and cautioned critics against misinterpreting the electoral mandate.
According to him, the President alone bears the responsibility for choosing individuals who will project his government’s economic, security and cultural priorities abroad.
Oshodi added that debates over whether the nominees are the “best” remain subjective, stressing that the envoys’ performance will ultimately demonstrate the wisdom of the President’s decision.
His remarks came amid scrutiny of Tinubu’s latest list of 32 ambassadorial nominees submitted to the Senate for confirmation.
The list contains several prominent figures, including former Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, former presidential aide Reno Omokri, former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode and former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
The Presidency noted that specific postings will be assigned only after Senate approval, with senior adviser Bayo Onanuga highlighting the inclusion of women across both career and non-career categories.
The nominations follow an earlier batch of three names and form part of a wider diplomatic reshuffle as the administration seeks to align its foreign engagements with its political and economic priorities.
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Oshodi described the selections as a deliberate and confident step aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s global representation.
