Sunday Dare, who serves as the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, stated that the President is expected to make a well-considered decision regarding the electronic transmission of election results, taking into account the realities in Nigeria.
During an interview on ARISE NEWS on Wednesday, Dare affirmed that Tinubu, characterized as a dedicated democrat, will act for the benefit of the nation.
"I can assure you that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a recognized democrat, will do what is right, but it will not be disconnected from the realities of our country," he affirmed.
When questioned about the practicality of full real-time results transmission, Dare pointed out that no nation has a completely seamless electronic system.
"There is no 100 per cent real-time transmission anywhere. Are you suggesting that this country, as it currently stands, is networked sufficiently to implement a 100 per cent electronic process?" he queried.
Regarding Nigeria's position in the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index, where it ranks 142nd out of 182 countries, Dare highlighted that combating corruption remains a crucial focus for the current administration.
"It is undoubtedly a central priority. The Index fluctuates; countries move up and down based on specific circumstances. Addressing corruption takes time; you cannot impose a strict timeframe on it," he stated.
He mentioned that entities like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) are actively executing their responsibilities.
Dare also affirmed that the National Assembly is currently reviewing the unaudited financial statements of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), indicating that President Tinubu is responsive to allegations even prior to formal conclusions.
In relation to reports that approximately 140 million Nigerians are living in poverty, Dare contended that these figures should be analyzed in conjunction with ongoing economic reforms and broader economic indicators.
He pointed to rising external reserves, a stable exchange rate, and decreasing food inflation as evidence of improvement.
"When inflation decreases over nine months, it clearly indicates that the cost of living is increasing at a slower rate, suggesting that effective measures are being implemented in the economy," Dare explained.
Concerning claims that the Ministry of Health only received N32 million from its N218 billion budget for 2025, Dare stressed that further clarifications are necessary as the health sector benefits from significant international funding.
He also rejected assertions of a revenue crisis, asserting that the government has notably reduced Nigeria's debt servicing obligations.
"There is no revenue crisis. Under a debt service ratio of around 90 per cent, this President has successfully decreased it to approximately 60 per cent. That signifies a substantial improvement," he remarked.
Dare reiterated the President's commitment to combating terrorism, citing ongoing security measures and international partnerships as proof of sustained efforts.
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