President Bola Tinubu has defended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, dismissing concerns over the electoral body’s neutrality and accusing political opponents of raising unfounded allegations.
The President made the remarks on Tuesday while receiving the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by its President, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, at the State House in Abuja, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The president spoke after the Catholic bishops urged his administration to guarantee free, fair, and credible elections in 2027, describing credible polls as one of the legacies expected from his government.
Responding, the president insisted that INEC had remained impartial and had not intimidated any political party or candidate.
“INEC is neutral. They have never intimidated anyone. If political opponents are crying wolf, maybe they are afraid of their own shadows and uncertainty in the company they keep, not me,” Tinubu said.
The president also assured the bishops that his administration was strengthening the country’s security architecture to tackle terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping through improved intelligence gathering, restructuring of security institutions, and enhanced welfare for security personnel.
“I have just approved the expansion of the armed forces. We are getting more equipment, building new barracks. We will defeat terrorism. It should be part of your sermons,” he said.
On the economy, Tinubu maintained that the country had recovered from the financial challenges his administration inherited and expressed confidence that better days lie ahead.
“This government has stabilised, and there is prosperity on the horizon. Life is improving,” he stated.
He also highlighted the absence of prolonged industrial actions by university lecturers, saying students could now complete their programmes within the expected duration.
“You can’t say a four-year course in the university is not four years now. ASUU is not on strike. They are not bringing agony to our homes,” the president added.
“Those crying wolf are afraid of their own shadows, not me” — Tinubu defends INEC ahead of 2027