Tinubu defends INEC, says electoral body remains neutral ahead of 2027 polls

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 making unfounded allegations.

Tinubu 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.

The President’s comments were contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The bishops had urged the Tinubu administration to ensure the conduct of free, fair and credible elections in 2027, describing credible polls as one of the key legacies expected from the government.

Responding, Tinubu maintained 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,” the president said.

Tinubu 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, the president said his administration had stabilised the country’s finances and expressed optimism that Nigerians would soon begin to experience greater prosperity.

“This government has stabilised, and there is prosperity on the horizon. Life is improving,” Tinubu stated.

The president also pointed to the absence of prolonged industrial actions by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), saying students could now complete their academic programmes within the stipulated period.

“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,” he added.