President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday defended the neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), insisting the electoral body has not intimidated any political party, as he received members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the State House in Abuja.
The delegation was led by the President of the CBCN and Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, during a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa.
Addressing concerns about governance, security and the political climate ahead of the 2027 general election, Tinubu said his administration remains focused on addressing the challenges it inherited rather than avoiding them.
The president said his government has committed resources to strengthening the country’s security architecture through the recruitment of personnel, construction of military barracks and the provision of equipment to security agencies to combat terrorism.
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“I don’t run away from what I inherited. I inherited the challenges. Am I doing something about it? Yes. I can tell you I am doing something about it and there are resources to recruit them, build new barracks, arm them and defeat terrorism,” Tinubu said.
The president also dismissed allegations of bias against INEC, maintaining that the electoral commission has remained impartial in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
According to him, Nigeria’s democratic system provides equal opportunities for all political actors, adding that claims of intimidation by the electoral umpire are unfounded.
“All is fair in politics and it’s equal opportunity. INEC, you mentioned, are neutral. They have never ever intimidated anybody,” he said.
Taking a swipe at opposition parties, Tinubu suggested that those raising concerns about the electoral process may be struggling with internal political uncertainties rather than actions taken by the electoral commission.
“If political opponents are crying wolves, maybe they are afraid of their own shadow and uncertainty in the company they keep,” the president added.
