The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised a red flag over what it calls Nigeria’s “total absence on the global stage,” blaming President Bola Tinubu for failing to appoint ambassadors nearly two years into his administration.
On Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, warned in a media post that the continued vacuum in Nigeria’s foreign missions is hurting both the country’s image and the well-being of Nigerians abroad.
“Since President Tinubu recalled all 109 ambassadors in 2023, not a single replacement has been made,” the ADC noted. “As a result, Nigeria is missing in action where it matters most.”
The party said junior diplomats left behind at embassies lack the rank and access to speak for Nigeria in key diplomatic matters — a situation that has worsened visa issues, weakened consular services, and led to lost opportunities for investment and international collaboration.
“While the rest of Africa is busy striking deals and building alliances, Nigeria is not even at the table,” the statement read. “We’re watching from the sidelines because we’ve refused to show up.”
The ADC also described the government’s public handling of a U.S. request regarding Venezuelan deportees as an embarrassing diplomatic misstep, one that could have been avoided with a competent ambassador in place.
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“This government is more focused on optics than outcomes,” Abdullahi said. “It appears more interested in rewarding political loyalists than in putting Nigeria’s best foot forward on the world stage.”
The ADC warned that if the situation continues, other countries may begin to downgrade their diplomatic ties with Nigeria — a serious blow to a country once seen as the voice of Africa.
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