On Sunday, July 20, 2025, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu for failing to appoint ambassadors to Nigeria’s 109 foreign missions, including 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and one consulate, more than two years after recalling all ambassadors in September 2023. In a statement by Interim National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described the situation as “embarrassing” and warned that it is damaging Nigeria’s global image and weakening international relations, risking other countries downgrading their diplomatic ties with Nigeria. The party highlighted that the absence of ambassadors has worsened visa and consular issues, particularly with the United States and the United Arab Emirates, as junior diplomats and chargés d’affaires lack the authority and recognition of full ambassadors to effectively represent Nigeria at high-level global forums. This diplomatic vacuum, the ADC argued, excludes Nigeria from critical economic, trade, and security discussions, undermining President Tinubu’s economic diplomacy agenda.
The ADC also condemned the Tinubu administration’s handling of a U.S. request for Nigeria to accept deported Venezuelans, criticizing the Foreign Affairs Minister’s public response on live television as “careless and inappropriate,” arguing that sensitive diplomatic matters require discreet handling, which an ambassador in Washington could have facilitated. The party accused the administration of lacking urgency and prioritizing “crony” appointments, leaving Nigerians abroad, including students and professionals, to face indignities due to weakened consular services. The ADC urged President Tinubu to immediately appoint ambassadors to restore Nigeria’s diplomatic presence and protect national interests, warning that further delays could prompt reciprocal downgrades in foreign representation in Nigeria.
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