Omokri backs e-transmission, calls opposition unpatriotic

Ambassador-designate and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Reno Omokri has voiced strong support for the electronic transmission of election results, describing resistance to the policy as unpatriotic, while warning that implementing real-time transmission across Nigeria may not be feasible.

Omokri made the remarks on Wednesday during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television, amid public backlash over the Senate’s passage of the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Amendment Bill 2026.

The Senate recently approved the bill at third reading, removing the term “real-time” from sections dealing with electronic transmission of results — a decision that has triggered protests in parts of the country.

Speaking on the issue, Omokri said the adoption of electronic transmission should not be controversial.

“If you want to have the electronic transmission of results, I support that. I don’t think anybody who is going to be against that is patriotic,” he said.

However, he argued that demanding real-time transmission nationwide fails to account for Nigeria’s infrastructural challenges.

“People agree to electronic transmission of results. The issue is these people asking for unrealistic policies of real-time electronic transmission,” he added.

He noted that network limitations in some areas could hinder seamless real-time reporting and compared Nigeria’s experience during the 2023 general elections with similar challenges faced in South Africa.

“Election results can be transmitted electronically in Nigeria. However, there are some places where you don’t have coverage because Nigeria is a large country,” he explained.

Omokri’s comments come as the Senate has repeatedly clarified that it did not reject electronic transmission but only removed the real-time requirement. Despite this, civil society groups and protesters have continued to demand that the phrase “real-time electronic transmission” be explicitly included in the amended law.

During the programme, Omokri also addressed speculation about a possible role in President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He said while he had expressed reservations about accepting certain positions, he has not ruled out serving the country.

“That’s not what I said. The question you asked me was that if Tinubu asked me to work with him, would I accept? I said no, it’s not in my DNA,” he explained.

He added that his previous comments were based on past positions he had taken but emphasized his willingness to serve Nigeria in any appropriate capacity.

“As an ambassador, I’m going to work for Nigeria. I will be an ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Omokri said.