With less than six months to the 2027 presidential election, President Bola Tinubu has declared that he will not allow the opposition to weaken or outmaneuver him politically, insisting that he is prepared to contest until the very end.
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 maintained that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) remains neutral and dismissed allegations of bias. According to him, those accusing the electoral body of partiality are merely afraid of the uncertainties 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.
Speaking further, Tinubu insisted that he would not make it easy for his political 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,” he stated.
The President also defended his administration’s performance, saying the quality of life in the country is gradually improving despite the challenges he inherited from his predecessor.
“Our founding fathers gave their best for this nation, and we owe it to future generations to build a Nigeria founded on unity, stability, prosperity and quality education,” he said.
Highlighting developments in the education sector, Tinubu noted that 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 added.
On security, the President acknowledged that challenges remain but stressed that Nigeria has no alternative homeland.
“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 that although he inherited significant national challenges, he has remained committed to addressing them rather than avoiding responsibility.
Earlier in the meeting, CBCN President Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso commended the President for the warm reception accorded to the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Vatican.
