The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently appoint ambassadors to Nigeria’s foreign missions, warning that the prolonged absence of high-level diplomatic representation is damaging Nigeria’s global standing and hurting its citizens abroad.
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In a press statement released on July 20 by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC expressed deep concern over what it described as the longest diplomatic vacuum in Nigeria’s recent history.
“This is the longest that Nigeria has gone without duly accredited ambassadors in any of its foreign missions. If this embarrassing absence continues, other countries may soon begin to downgrade their diplomatic relations with Nigeria,” Abdullahi stated.
The party criticized the Tinubu administration for what it called a “lack of ambition and understanding of governance,” arguing that the refusal to replace the 109 ambassadors recalled in 2023 shows poor leadership.
The ADC cited increasing diplomatic tensions and unresolved consular issues with countries like the United States and the United Arab Emirates as direct consequences of Nigeria’s current diplomatic vacuum. The party insisted that junior diplomats and chargé d’affaires cannot effectively represent Nigeria at the highest levels.
“This inexplicable failure to appoint ambassadors has weakened our global engagement and could lead to reciprocal downgrading of diplomatic representation by other nations,” the statement read.
The party also decried the state of Nigeria’s consular services, which it said have deteriorated significantly under the current administration. According to the ADC, Nigerian citizens abroad—including students and professionals—are facing growing difficulties due to lack of proper diplomatic support.
It further criticized what it described as the administration’s “showiness” and poor handling of sensitive diplomatic issues, referencing the recent public reaction to a reported U.S. request for Nigeria to accept Venezuelan deportees.
“While we support the government’s position on the matter, we are appalled that such a delicate issue was addressed by the foreign affairs minister on a prime-time TV show instead of through proper diplomatic channels,” the statement added.
The ADC concluded by urging President Tinubu to urgently appoint ambassadors and restore Nigeria’s international presence, warning that continued delay will only lead to further embarrassment and isolation.
Signed:
Bolaji Abdullahi
National Publicity Secretary, ADC
