Tinubu Vows Fierce Contest for 2027 Re-election, Defends INEC Neutrality

President Bola Tinubu has declared that he will actively resist any attempt by political opponents to unseat him in the 2027 presidential election, asserting that political contests require full democratic competition.

Speaking during a meeting with the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, President Tinubu stated that political space remains open to all contenders, but emphasized that he would not yield his position easily.

He maintained that political competition is fair game under democracy, adding that he expects a robust contest from those seeking to challenge his mandate.

Addressing concerns regarding the country’s electoral system, the President defended the Independent National Electoral Commission against allegations of partiality. He described the electoral body as neutral and dismissed opposition criticisms as unfounded fears regarding the political landscape.

President Tinubu also highlighted the outcome of his administration’s economic policies over the past three years. He cited the stability of the academic calendar in public universities noting the absence of strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities as a practical indicator of administrative progress.

While acknowledging the economic hardships accompanying recent structural reforms inherited from the previous administration, President Tinubu assured that the economy has stabilized and expressed optimism about long-term prosperity.

On the issue of returning mission schools to religious institutions a recurring debate between the Church and state authorities the President advised the bishops to engage directly with state governors. Drawing from his tenure as governor of Lagos State, where he reinstated mission schools, he pointed out that school management falls within state jurisdiction and does not require constitutional amendments.

The delegation of Catholic bishops, led by Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, concluded the high-level meeting after discussing wider national issues, including security, national unity, and economic stability.