The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Protocol, Demola Oshodi, has shed more light on why prominent figures such as former presidential aide Reno Omokri, former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, and former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode appeared on the President’s latest ambassadorial nomination list.

The list, transmitted to the National Assembly for screening, has sparked intense nationwide debate, with many Nigerians expressing surprise at the inclusion of the trio.

Appearing on Arise News’ “The Morning Show,” Oshodi emphasized that appointments of this nature typically attract mixed reactions.

According to him, what ultimately matters is that the President maintains a delicate balance while assembling a team capable of advancing his administration’s goals.

Oshodi said Nigerians need to consider the broader context of the President’s choices rather than focus solely on political sentiments or controversy.

Why Yakubu Was Considered

When quizzed about the rationale behind the selection of former INEC boss, Mahmood Yakubu—especially in light of the controversies surrounding the 2019 and 2023 elections—Oshodi pointed to Yakubu’s long years of public service.

He argued that Yakubu’s tenure at the electoral body represents a significant contribution to national development.

According to Oshodi, “You can look at the professor’s career trajectory. He has overseen two national elections and is widely believed to have performed creditably. Non-career diplomats are largely political appointments, and loyalty is a key requirement. But loyalty is only one part of the equation.”

Pressed further on whether Yakubu’s “loyalty” stemmed from how he handled the last election, Oshodi clarified that the decision was more nuanced.

He explained that the President typically weighs multiple considerations—national service, competence, ethnic balance, and political alignment—before making such appointments.

Why Fani-Kayode and Omokri Made the List

On the inclusion of Femi Fani-Kayode, Oshodi dismissed claims that the former minister’s polarizing reputation should disqualify him.

“It’s not that straightforward,” he said. “Ambassadorial appointments depend on the President’s judgment of who possesses the right skills, temperament, and capacity for specific diplomatic assignments. Fani-Kayode has served the country in various roles. His divisiveness does not erase his record of service.”

He added that personal history or public controversies do not automatically preclude anyone from contributing to national development if the President is convinced of their competence.

Oshodi similarly defended the appointment of Reno Omokri, noting that every nominee was chosen based on criteria aligned with President Tinubu’s foreign policy goals between now and 2027.

A Balancing Act

Overall, Oshodi highlighted that the President seeks to strike a balance between experience, loyalty, capability, and federal character, suggesting that no single factor determined the final list.

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“There are reasons behind each appointment,” he said. “The President is looking at what will make his administration effective, especially in the diplomatic arena. These individuals were chosen based on what he believes they can contribute.”