President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday dismissed concerns over the credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), insisting the electoral body remains neutral despite growing criticism from opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general election.
The President said opposition politicians questioning the commission’s independence were motivated by fear rather than any evidence of bias.
Speaking while receiving the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by its President, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tinubu said INEC had not acted in a manner that suggested partisanship.
“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 uncertainty in the companies they keep, not me.”
The President’s remarks come amid sustained calls by opposition leaders for electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 polls.
Parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), have repeatedly raised concerns over the conduct of recent elections and urged reforms to strengthen the independence and credibility of the electoral process.
On security, Tinubu assured Nigerians that his administration was overhauling the country’s security architecture to tackle terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
He said ongoing reforms include improved intelligence gathering, the restructuring of security institutions, better logistics and greater attention to the welfare of security personnel.
The President also appealed to religious leaders to support government efforts by speaking out against violence and extremism.
“We don’t have another country but this Nigeria. And I will refer to the national anthem that in our complexity and diversity, we shall thrive, live, rejoice and be good to all, and humanity.”
He disclosed that he had approved an expansion of the Armed Forces as part of efforts to strengthen national security.
“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. I won’t deviate from our national anthem,” the President added.
Tinubu also defended his administration’s economic reforms, saying Nigeria had moved away from the fiscal challenges it inherited in 2023.
“I have listened to you carefully, and most importantly, your key areas are security and education. I can tell you, with sincerity, that the country has been placed on a sound footing. The economy has recovered. The alarm for bankruptcy and dark tunnel of uncertainty that we had when I came in has been changed.
“The spirit of the people is lifting, and the economic turmoil that we feared is cleared. The economy has been delivered from bankruptcy,” he stated.
“I always say, because of my background and profession, that I inherited the assets and liabilities of my predecessor. I have been running with it. This government has stabilised, and there is prosperity on the horizon. Life is improving.”
The President highlighted interventions such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), saying the scheme was designed to expand access to tertiary education and ease the financial burden on students. Since its launch, NELFUND has approved billions of naira in institutional fees and upkeep loans for eligible students across federal and state-owned tertiary institutions.
On the longstanding campaign for the return of mission schools, Tinubu said state governments, in line with the Constitution, have the authority to take such decisions.
“I returned all mission schools when I was the governor of Lagos State, and Cardinal Okogie, one of my best friends, is alive to testify to that,” he stated.
Earlier, CBCN President, Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso, thanked Tinubu for the reception accorded to Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, during activities marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See.
The cleric, however, urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to address insecurity, improve access to quality tertiary education, reduce poverty and strengthen democratic institutions.
He also called for the return of mission schools and equal treatment of all religious groups, including the provision of places of worship without discrimination.
The Archbishop of Kaduna further urged the President to ensure that the 2027 general election is free, fair and credible.
“As a man who risked so much in the struggle for the return of democratic rule in the dark days of the military dictatorship, your greatest legacy would be the strengthening of our democratic institutions,” the Archbishop said.
The meeting comes as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general election.
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