President Bola Tinubu has defended the credibility and neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), dismissing criticisms from opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections and insisting that the electoral body has remained impartial in the discharge of its responsibilities.
Speaking on Tuesday while receiving the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by its President, Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu said the opposition’s allegations against INEC were unfounded.
According to the President, all political parties have equal opportunities under the current electoral system, stressing that the commission has not intimidated or discriminated against any political actor.
“The opportunities are equal. INEC is neutral. They have never intimidated anyone. If political opponents are crying wolf, maybe they are afraid of their own shadows and the uncertainty in the companies they keep, not me,” Tinubu said.
The President also assured Nigerians that his administration was intensifying efforts to overcome terrorism, banditry and kidnapping through reforms in the nation’s security architecture.
He explained that the government was strengthening intelligence gathering, restructuring security institutions, improving logistics and welfare for security personnel, while expanding the capacity of the armed forces.
“I have just approved the expansion of the armed forces. We are getting more equipment and building new barracks. We will defeat terrorism. It should also form part of your sermons because we have no other country except Nigeria,” he said.
Tinubu urged religious leaders to continue preaching peace and actively support national efforts to restore security, saying unity remained essential despite the country’s diversity.
On the economy, the President maintained that Nigeria had emerged from the financial difficulties inherited by his administration and was gradually returning to stability.
He said economic reforms were beginning to yield positive results, while government interventions such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) were helping to improve access to higher education and ease the burden on families.
“I inherited both the assets and liabilities of my predecessor, but this government has stabilised the economy. The fears of bankruptcy have been overcome, people’s confidence is returning, and prosperity is on the horizon. Life is improving,” he stated.
Addressing the issue of mission schools, Tinubu said state governments possess the constitutional authority to determine whether such institutions should be returned to their original owners.
He recalled that during his tenure as governor of Lagos State, his administration returned mission schools, noting that the late Catholic leader, Cardinal Anthony Okogie, could attest to the decision.
Earlier, Archbishop Ndagoso commended the President for the cordial reception accorded to the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, during activities marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See.
The CBCN President, however, urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts in tackling insecurity, reducing poverty, expanding access to quality tertiary education and strengthening democratic institutions.
He also appealed for the return of mission schools where appropriate and called for equal treatment of all religious groups, including the provision of places of worship without discrimination.
Ndagoso further stressed the need for credible and transparent elections in 2027, urging Tinubu to consolidate Nigeria’s democratic gains.
“As a man who risked so much in the struggle for the return of democratic rule during the military era, your greatest legacy would be the strengthening of our democratic institutions,” the archbishop said.
