President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has defended the neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), insisting that the electoral body has never intimidated any political party and accusing opposition politicians of “crying wolf” ahead of the 2027 general elections.
President Tinubu made the remarks on Tuesday while receiving members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the State House in Abuja.
Responding to concerns over the political climate ahead of the 2027 elections, the President maintained that every political party has equal opportunities under Nigeria’s democratic system and rejected allegations that the electoral commission was favouring the ruling party.
‘INEC Has Never Intimidated Anyone’
According to Tinubu, the Independent National Electoral Commission has conducted itself impartially and has not intimidated any individual or political party.
He said:
“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 company they keep—not me.”
Response to Opposition Allegations
The President’s comments come amid repeated accusations by some opposition figures that INEC is acting in ways that favour the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
Tinubu dismissed those allegations, arguing that Nigeria’s democratic process remains open to all contestants and that political parties should focus on strengthening themselves rather than blaming the electoral umpire.
Meeting With Catholic Bishops
The remarks were made during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, led by Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso.
The meeting also touched on national security, economic reforms and governance, with the President assuring the bishops that his administration would continue efforts to improve citizens’ welfare and strengthen democratic institutions.