Omokri Backs Electronic Transmission of Results, Says Tinubu Is Best Thing for Nigeria

Reno Omokri, an ambassador-designate and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has expressed support for the electronic transmission of election results, while maintaining that real-time transmission across the country remains impractical. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Omokri also defended President Bola Tinubu’s record in office, describing his administration as transformative and politically formidable ahead of the 2027 general election.

His comments come amid public debate over proposed amendments to the Electoral Act and controversy surrounding the Senate’s decision to remove the phrase “real-time” from provisions on electronic transmission of results.

Electronic Transmission Debate and Legislative Controversy

Omokri stated that he supports electronic transmission of election results, arguing that it is a patriotic position that promotes transparency. However, he cautioned against what he described as “unrealistic policies” demanding real-time electronic transmission nationwide, citing Nigeria’s vast geographical spread and uneven telecommunications coverage.

Drawing comparisons with South Africa’s electoral process, he said the 2023 Nigerian elections mirrored similar logistical realities seen in other large democracies. According to him, while electronic transmission is feasible in many areas, network limitations in remote locations make universal real-time reporting difficult. He stressed that the practical challenges should be acknowledged in shaping electoral legislation.

His remarks follow protests that trailed the Senate’s passage of the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Reenactment) Amendment Bill 2026 at third reading. Lawmakers removed the phrase “real-time” transmission of results from the bill, prompting concerns among civil society groups and opposition figures. Although the Senate has clarified that it did not reject electronic transmission entirely, protesters have insisted that the law must explicitly guarantee real-time electronic reporting to safeguard electoral integrity.

Omokri Position on Government Appointment and National Service

Addressing questions about his relationship with the Tinubu administration, Omokri clarified that he never ruled out serving Nigeria under the current government. He explained that while he previously stated that accepting certain political appointments was “not in his DNA,” he remains committed to national service.

He disclosed that in discussions with government officials, he declined specific positions due to prior public statements but affirmed his readiness to serve as an ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Omokri is among the nominees recently forwarded by President Tinubu to the Senate for ambassadorial consideration.

He emphasised that his loyalty, if confirmed, would be to Nigeria as a nation rather than to partisan interests, underscoring what he described as a commitment to national development above politics.

Defence of Tinubu’s Reforms and 2027 Outlook

Beyond electoral issues, Omokri strongly defended President Tinubu’s economic policies, asserting that the administration has fulfilled major campaign promises. He argued that the president’s reform agenda has strengthened Nigeria’s macroeconomic position and expanded the APC’s political dominance.

According to him, the APC now controls about 30 governorships, compared to roughly 20 in 2023, which he said makes it increasingly difficult for opposition parties to mount a successful challenge in 2027. He contended that if the opposition could not defeat Tinubu when he had fewer governors and had not yet implemented key reforms, their prospects are even slimmer now.

On economic performance, Omokri cited improvements in manufacturing capacity and gross domestic product since May 2023. He also pointed to fuel availability and price adjustments as tangible examples of reform outcomes, claiming that Nigerians no longer face prolonged fuel queues and that purchasing power has improved relative to some neighbouring West African countries. He referenced international commentary, including statements attributed to the International Monetary Fund, as validation of the administration’s reform strategy.