President Bola Tinubu has resubmitted the name of Usman Dakingari, the former Governor of Kebbi State, to the Senate for confirmation as an ambassador.
This move comes just two weeks after a previous attempt to appoint him ended in a high-profile withdrawal.
The request was contained in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
In the message, the President noted the appointment was made in accordance with Section 171 of the 1999 Constitution and asked for “expeditious consideration” from the upper chamber. Specifically, the letter stated: “I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of Usman Dakingari as career ambassador.”
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Despite the President’s letter describing Dakingari as a “career ambassador,” Senators quickly intervened during the plenary session to clarify that he is actually a “non-career ambassadorial nominee.”
Lawmakers pointed out that his extensive political background as a former governor makes him a political appointee rather than a professional foreign service officer.
This fresh submission aims to resolve a scandal from late January, when the Presidency prematurely listed Dakingari as the ambassador-designate to Turkey.
At the time, his name had not been screened by the DSS or confirmed by the Senate, leading to accusations that his name had been “smuggled” into the list of 68 previously cleared nominees.
The resulting backlash forced the Presidency to issue a correction, citing a “naming mix-up” and withdrawing his posting within 24 hours.
Senate President Akpabio has now referred the nomination to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, with a directive to “report back to the chamber within one week.”
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