I Don’t Think Tinubu Was Properly Advised About Mahmood Yakubu’s Nomination As Ambassador — Epelle
Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa, Jake Epelle, says he does not believe Bola Tinubu received proper advice before nominating former INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, as an ambassador to represent the country.
Epelle who spoke in an interview, where he criticised the political process behind such an appointment and questioned the judgment that informed the decision.
He insisted that such a move deepens public distrust, especially given the controversies surrounding Nigeria’s electoral process and the need to rebuild confidence in national institutions.
Epelle maintained that the decision to nominate Yakubu, coming so soon after his tenure at INEC, raised legitimate concerns and should have been approached with greater sensitivity to public sentiment.
“I don’t know who advised him about Mahmood, who happens to be—I don’t deny—a good friend of mine.
“I thought that Prof should have been relaxing, maybe in his country home or going back to the university to teach.
“I have no idea that he’s still interested in political office, but that’s up to him. But that’s one appointment that I take with a pinch of salt. I don’t think that Tinubu was properly advised,” the rights advocate stated.
According to him, political appointments in Nigeria are often driven by a small circle of influencers around the Tinubu rather than by considerations of public perception or national interest.
“Remember that these appointments are made by cabals, just a handful of people that are very close to him, who will advise him,” he added.
He also argued that most of the nominees on the list presented to the senate had expired.
“Those names are expired as far as I’m concerned. There are too many people who have been in the political space and all types of spaces with very little contributions,” Epelle said.
He further noted that Nigerians expected clearer vetting, wider consultation, and better-quality advice on sensitive appointments, particularly those involving former electoral officials.
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“Federal character was not respected in this context; it was more of political tokenism and doing favours to those who have done one thing or the other for them,” he added during the programme.
He, therefore, urged the Tinubu to ensure that future nominations were handled with transparency and a broader consideration of public confidence, rather than relying on the counsel of a select few.
