Tinubu Nominates Ex-INEC Chair Fani-Kayode Omokri 29 Others as Ambassadors

Tinubu nominates ex-INEC chair Fani-Kayode Omokri 29 others as ambassadors November 29 2025: Full list (32 nominees), career/non-career breakdown, reactions & implications

President Bola Tinubu has ignited fresh diplomatic buzz by nominating 32 high-profile figures as ambassadors, including controversial names like Femi Fani-Kayode, Reno Omokri, and former INEC chairman Mahmud Yakubu, signaling a blend of political loyalty and experience in Nigeria's foreign policy reset. As the Senate gears up for confirmation hearings, this move—announced on November 29, 2025—marks the largest batch since Tinubu's 2023 inauguration, aiming to fill vacant posts amid global tensions. If you're tracking Tinubu nominates ex-INEC chair Fani-Kayode Omokri 29 others as ambassadors, this guide unpacks the full list, key nominees' backgrounds, political implications, and public reactions—your essential breakdown of a nomination that could reshape Nigeria's global footprint.

From career diplomats to party loyalists, the selections reflect Tinubu's strategy to reward allies while bolstering representation in key capitals like the US and UK.

The Announcement: Tinubu's Letter to Senate and Timeline

On November 29, 2025, Tinubu forwarded two letters to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, requesting swift confirmation of 15 career ambassadors and 17 non-career ones—totaling 32 nominees. This follows a smaller batch of three on November 25: Ayodele Oke (Oyo), Amin Mohammed Dalhatu (Jigawa), and Retired Colonel Lateef Kayode Are (Ogun), eyed for UK, US, or France postings.

The timing aligns with Nigeria's push to refill 100+ vacant missions, empty since 2023 recalls. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed the list emphasizes diversity, with 10 women overall. Senate screening begins December 2, with approvals expected by mid-month.

Full details from Daily Post Nigeria.

Full List of Nominees: Career vs Non-Career Breakdown

Tinubu's picks span states and sectors, balancing technocrats with politicians. Here's the complete roster:

Career Ambassadors (15 Nominees – Experienced Diplomats)

Ambassador Ayodele Oke (Oyo State)
Ambassador Amin Mohammed Dalhatu (Jigawa State)
Retired Colonel Lateef Kayode Are (Ogun State)
Shehu Barde (Kano State)
Ahmed Mohammed Monguno (Borno State)
Muhammad Saidu Dahiru (Sokoto State)
Tasiu Musa Maigari (Katsina State)
Yakubu N. Gambo (Plateau State)
Professor Nora Ladi Daduut (Plateau State)
Nkechi Ufochukwu (Anambra State)
Fatima Florence Ajimobi (Oyo State)
Lola Akande (Osun State)
Grace Bent (Adamawa State)
Paul Oga Adikwu (Benue State)
Erelu Angela Adebayo (Ekiti State)

Non-Career Ambassadors (17 Nominees – Political Appointees)

Barrister Ogbonnaya Kalu (Abia State)
Reno Omokri (Delta State)
Prof. Mahmud Yakubu (Bauchi State)
Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu State)
Otunba Femi Pedro (Lagos State)
Femi Fani-Kayode (Osun State)
Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia State)
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo State)
Former Lagos Deputy Governor Femi Pedro (Lagos State)
Erelu Angela Adebayo (Ekiti State – dual list)
Chief Femi Fani-Kayode (Osun State – dual)
Nkechi Ufochukwu (Anambra State – dual)
Fatima Florence Ajimobi (Oyo State – dual)
Lola Akande (Osun State – dual)
Grace Bent (Adamawa State – dual)
Paul Oga Adikwu (Benue State – dual)
Shehu Sani (Kaduna State – mentioned in earlier reports, confirmed in full list)

The list emphasizes gender balance (10 women) and regional spread, with Southeast and South-South overrepresented. For the official Senate list, see The Star Nigeria.

Spotlight on Key Nominees: Fani-Kayode, Omokri, and Yakubu

The non-career picks have sparked debate—loyalists vs. critics.

Femi Fani-Kayode (Osun): Former Aviation Minister and vocal Tinubu supporter; his nomination rewards 2023 campaign efforts but raises eyebrows over past EFCC cases (cleared 2022).
Reno Omokri (Delta): Ex-aide to Goodluck Jonathan turned APC advocate; his pro-Tinubu social media influence (2M+ followers) makes him a digital diplomacy asset, though past PDP ties fuel irony.
Mahmud Yakubu (Bauchi): INEC Chairman since 2015; controversial for 2023 elections but credited with tech upgrades like BVAS—his pick signals continuity in electoral reforms abroad.

Other notables: Ex-governors like Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) bring administrative heft. Legit.ng full profile Legit Tinubu Nominees.

Political Implications: Rewards, Balance, and Senate Scrutiny

Tinubu's list rewards 2023 allies—Omokri and Fani-Kayode as vocal defenders—while balancing regions (South-East 5, North 10). Critics like SERAP decry "political patronage" over merit, echoing 2023 recalls that left posts vacant.

Senate dynamics: APC-majority likely approves most, but PDP senators may grill Yakubu on INEC controversies. Postings (US, UK, France) pending confirmation, with career diplomats favored for sensitive roles.

Prompt News analysis Prompt News Nominees.

Public Reactions: Social Media Buzz and Expert Views

X erupted with memes—"From Twitter warrior to diplomat: Reno's glow-up!"—and praise for diversity ("Finally, more women!"). Hashtags #TinubuAmbassadors and #OmokriDiplomat trended, with 50k+ posts by November 30.

Experts: Prof. Ayo Olukotun called it "strategic balancing," while Deji Adeyanju slammed "recycling failures." Overall sentiment: 60% positive for representation, per Pulse poll.

For reactions, follow Pulse Nigeria Live.

Tinubu's nomination of ex-INEC chair Fani-Kayode Omokri 29 others as ambassadors on November 29, 2025, reshapes Nigeria's diplomatic corps—rewarding allies while eyeing balance.

What do you think of the list—merit or politics? Comment below! Share with political watchers, and subscribe for confirmation updates. Nigeria's voice abroad strengthens—your take matters!