Tinubu Faces Backlash as Deceased Ex-Senator Appears on Ambassadorial List

President Bola Tinubu’s latest batch of ambassadorial nominees has drawn sharp criticism after the name of a former senator who died months ago appeared on the official list sent to the Senate.

Adamu Garba Talba, a former lawmaker from Yobe State who died in July 2025, was listed among the non-career nominees read out during plenary on December 4 by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The discovery quickly ignited public debate, with many questioning how such an oversight could survive multiple stages of review.

The Presidency had previously stated that all nominees were subjected to security and background checks, and officials said the list underwent final adjustments to remove individuals who were no longer available. Talba’s inclusion has raised doubts about the thoroughness of that process.

Public affairs analyst Musa Ibrahim described the error as “a disturbing reflection of the disorganization at a level where precision is expected.” He added, “When a name that should have been removed months ago reappears on an official document, it tells citizens that something fundamental is not working.”

Another analyst, Hauwa Liman, said the mistake points to deeper procedural gaps. “This goes beyond an administrative slip,” she noted. “It shows that the people compiling these lists are not paying attention to the most basic details. That should worry anyone who expects accountability.”

Civil society groups have also reacted, warning that such lapses weaken public confidence in diplomatic appointments and the institutions responsible for them. Some urged the government to immediately review its nomination procedures to prevent a repeat of the incident.

The Senate is expected to revisit the list in the coming days as lawmakers seek clarification on how the error occurred.