The Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA) has thrown its weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nomination of former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, as a non-career ambassador.

In a statement issued in Abuja, PAACA executive director, Ezenwa Nwagwu  described the nomination as “well considered,” noting that Yakubu’s experience in public service and deep understanding of democratic governance would strengthen Nigeria’s representation abroad.

PAACA said Yakubu demonstrated “remarkable commitment to institutional reforms, transparency and responsible stewardship” during his time at INEC, and expressed confidence that he would bring the same values to his new assignment.

Nwagwu argued that Professor Yakubu led INEC through some of the most complex election cycles in Nigeria’s history, noting that his experience and dedication make him a valuable asset for Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements.

He noted that at the time when Nigeria faces intense global scrutiny, the country requires diplomats with administrative experience and global recognition.

The organisation also urged Nigerians to view the nomination through the lens of national interest rather than political speculation. 

He said, “Ambassadors serve as representatives of the Nigerian people, not of any administration. What matters is competence, credibility, and the capacity to project Nigeria’s image positively and Yakubu has demonstrated all three in his decades of service,” he said.

“On one hand, we heard claims  that Mahmood was removed from office over alleged support for registration of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA); now, the same people are saying he’s being compensated by President Tinubu. Such contradictions show that many of these arguments are not grounded in facts, but politically motivated.”

Nwagwu acknowledged that Yakubu’s nomination has generated criticism from some critics who argue that it came too soon after he left office and could potentially raise ethical concerns. 

However, the PAACA boss described these concerns as “misplaced” and based on a narrow interpretation of democratic norms and public service. 

The organisation noted that the law does not bar former INEC chiefs from taking appointive positions after their tenure.

Nwagwu explained that a previous clause in the INEC Establishment Act requiring a five-year “cooling-off” period applied only to elective offices and was repealed in 2010 after extensive legislative debate.

PAACA praised Yakubu’s record of service under four successive presidents including Y’Adua, Jonathan, Buhari and Tinubu, highlighting his reforms at TETFund and his leadership of INEC, which it said produced some of the most competitive elections in Nigeria’s history.

He said, “Beyond his public service record, Professor Yakubu is first and foremost a distinguished academic. he is a scholar of the highest standing. His academic training and global exposure have played a major role in the innovations he introduced across Nigeria’s education and electoral systems.”

PAACA urged the Senate to expedite the confirmation process and called on the former INEC boss to use his new role to further advance Nigeria’s diplomatic interests.