The German government reportedly rejected former aviation minister Femi Fani-Kayode’s candidacy as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate, citing reservations about his previous conduct and public utterances.

On March 6, President Bola Tinubu approved Fani-Kayode’s assignment. However, according to an exclusive revelation by the People’s Gazette, the German authorities allegedly refused the nomination on March 13, 2026, citing his “erratic behaviour” and history of inflammatory utterances.

The German government was alleged to have expressed alarm about his previous utterances, particularly those deemed ethnocentric, tribalistic, and religiously divisive, warning that such ideas may be destabilising.

Meanwhile, the Gazette says that insiders within the administration believe he may be relocated to another diplomatic posting, with South Africa being a probable destination.

Fani-Kayode has long been a divisive character in Nigerian politics, noted for his strong opinions and previous public conflicts. In 2020, he faced fire for verbally abusing a journalist during a news conference in Calabar, before apologising.

He has also been scrutinised for personal concerns, including a nationally publicised custody battle with his estranged wife.