The presidency withdraws Usman Dakingari’s ambassadorial posting to Turkey, confirming other ambassadorial appointments ahead of Tinubu’s state visit

The presidency has rescinded the ambassadorial posting of Usman Dakingari, former governor of Kebbi State, to Turkey, barely 24 hours after initially announcing his appointment.

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The withdrawal was confirmed in a statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga on Friday.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier approved the posting of over 60 ambassadors-designate, with four specifically highlighted: Kayode Are, former director-general of the Department of State Services, to the United States; Ayodele Oke, former director-general of the National Intelligence Agency, to France; Amin Dalhatu, former ambassador to South Korea, to the United Kingdom; and Dakingari to Turkey.

The original announcement of Dakingari’s posting, which appeared briefly on social media, was subsequently deleted.

Onanuga clarified that no ambassador has been appointed to Turkey and confirmed the postings of Are, Oke, and Dalhatu.

The presidency did not provide a reason for the reversal of Dakingari’s appointment. Onanuga added that Tinubu has written to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to notify the governments of the three countries about the confirmed ambassadors-designate, following standard diplomatic procedures.

Dakingari’s initial appointment had coincided with preparations for President Tinubu’s upcoming state visit to Turkey next week, raising questions about the timing of the withdrawal.

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The development marks an unusual turn in Nigeria’s ambassadorial postings and highlights the fluidity of high-level diplomatic assignments under the current administration.