President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his confidence in the neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), declaring that he will not allow the opposition to gain a political advantage over him ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The President made the remarks on Tuesday while receiving members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by its President, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, at the State House in Abuja.
Responding to concerns about the electoral process, Tinubu dismissed allegations of bias against INEC, insisting that the electoral body remains impartial. He suggested that critics questioning the commission’s neutrality were unsettled by challenges within their own political camps.
“I asked for this job, and I’m in it. Those who want to take it from me will certainly try. Politics is a contest, and everyone has an equal opportunity,” the President said.
He added that while he is prepared for political competition, he would not make it easier for his opponents.
“You mentioned INEC. It is neutral. It has never intimidated anyone. If political opponents are crying wolf, perhaps they are only afraid of their own shadows and the uncertainty surrounding the company they keep—not me.
“I’m ready, but I won’t roll out the red carpet for them. I won’t hand them the rope to tie me down. We will wrestle each other to the finishing point,” Tinubu said.
The President also defended his administration’s record, saying conditions in the country are gradually improving despite the challenges inherited at the start of his tenure.
He said Nigeria’s founding fathers laid the foundation for a united nation and stressed the need to build on that legacy through unity, stability, prosperity and quality education.
Highlighting developments in the education sector, Tinubu noted that public universities have remained open without prolonged industrial action.
“You can no longer say that a four-year university programme will take six or seven years because of strikes. ASUU is not on strike, and families are no longer facing the hardship that comes with repeated disruptions. To me, that is an answer to our prayers,” he said.
On security, the President acknowledged that challenges persist but urged Nigerians to remain committed to the country’s unity and progress.
“The security situation is what it is. We don’t have another country but Nigeria. Despite our complexity and diversity, we must continue to thrive together, rejoice together and work for the good of all,” he said.
Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling the nation’s challenges, saying his government has chosen to confront difficult issues rather than shy away from them.
Earlier, CBCN President, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, commended the President for the reception accorded to the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, during the celebration marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Vatican.
