Posted by Chinenye on Tue 16th Jun, 2026 - tori.ng
Nigeria's ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has finally addressed growing speculation surrounding his delayed deployment, pushing back against claims that have fueled intense political debate.
(Reno Omokri. Photo by Daily Post)
Nigeria's ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has explained why he is yet to assume his diplomatic post, attributing the delay to ongoing preparations for the World Cup being jointly hosted by Mexico and the United States.
Speaking on a television political programme on Monday, Omokri dismissed claims that the Mexican government had rejected him, describing such reports as opposition-driven narratives lacking any factual basis.
According to the former presidential aide, Mexico is currently consumed with logistics and commitments tied to the global football tournament, a situation he said has affected diplomatic processes generally, including the reception of foreign envoys.
He insisted Mexico has not rejected him, explaining that the country's attention is presently focused on co-hosting the World Cup with the United States.
Omokri noted that he is not alone in facing this delay, stating that several of his fellow ambassadors-designate have similarly not yet resumed at their posts, and that such occurrences are not unusual.
He maintained that suggestions of his rejection by Mexico were politically motivated and urged that they not be taken seriously, stressing that government decisions are guided by reality rather than opposition rhetoric.
He added that nations maintaining diplomatic ties with Nigeria respect the country and will receive its accredited representatives when appropriate.
The ambassador-designate also commented on the 2027 presidential election, rejecting the notion that opposition figures are better placed to defeat President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He argued that political consistency is one of Tinubu's key strengths, contrasting the President's long political trajectory with the frequent party-switching of some opposition politicians, questioning how a politician who has belonged to three parties within six months could be expected to defeat a president who has remained politically stable since 1989.
He maintained that Tinubu's experience and stability give him a clear edge heading into the 2027 general election.