President Bola Tinubu has dismissed allegations that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is receiving preferential treatment ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that Nigeria’s electoral umpire remains impartial even as opposition parties continue to question the credibility of the electoral process.
The President made the remarks on Tuesday while receiving the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by its President and Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, at the State House in Abuja.
His comments come amid growing political tensions over preparations for the next general elections, with several opposition parties accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of actions they claim favour the APC.
Responding to the allegations, Tinubu maintained that all political parties enjoy equal opportunities under Nigeria’s democratic system and denied suggestions that his administration was influencing the electoral commission.
“The opportunities are equal. INEC is neutral. They have never intimidated anyone,” Tinubu said, according to a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.
The President suggested that critics were motivated more by internal political challenges than by evidence of electoral bias.
“If political opponents are crying wolf, maybe they are afraid of their own shadows and uncertainty in the companies they keep, not me,” he said.
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Tinubu’s remarks come against the backdrop of sustained criticism from opposition leaders, who have repeatedly questioned the neutrality of INEC and raised concerns over the conduct of future elections.
Although the President defended the electoral body, the opposition has argued that stronger safeguards are needed to guarantee transparency, fairness and public confidence in the 2027 polls.
The meeting with the Catholic bishops also provided an opportunity for religious leaders to urge the administration to protect Nigeria’s democratic institutions ahead of the next election cycle.
Speaking during the meeting, Archbishop Ndagoso acknowledged Tinubu’s role in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle during the military era but urged him to consolidate that legacy by strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring credible elections.
“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 cleric also appealed to the President to consider the return of mission schools and ensure equal treatment for adherents of all faiths across the country.
Ndagoso commended Tinubu for the reception accorded to Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, during his recent visit to Nigeria.
Beyond electoral issues, the President assured the bishops that his administration was intensifying efforts to combat terrorism and other security threats through improved intelligence gathering, institutional reforms and expanded military capacity.
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“I have just approved the expansion of the armed forces. We are getting more equipment, building new barracks,” Tinubu said.
“We will defeat terrorism. It should be part of your sermons.”
He urged Nigerians to remain united despite the country’s security challenges, saying national cohesion remains critical to overcoming terrorism and violent crime.
Tinubu also defended his administration’s economic reforms, arguing that his government inherited severe fiscal and economic challenges but has since restored stability.
“I inherited the assets and liabilities of my predecessor. I have been running with it,” he said.
“The economy has recovered. The alarm for bankruptcy and the dark tunnel of uncertainty that we had when I came in has been changed.”
According to the President, key economic indicators now point toward gradual recovery, with improvements in investor confidence and broader economic stability.
“This government has stabilised, and there is prosperity on the horizon. Life is improving,” he added.
The meeting highlighted the increasingly active role of religious leaders in national discourse, particularly on governance, electoral integrity, education and security.
The CBCN delegation included Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Bishop Matthew Kukah of Sokoto, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Bishop Peter Okpaleke of Ekwulobia and several other senior Catholic clerics from across the country.
While Tinubu projected confidence in his administration’s handling of security, the economy and preparations for future elections, the bishops stressed that credible democratic institutions, transparent elections and equal treatment of all citizens would ultimately define the administration’s legacy.
With political activities gradually building toward the 2027 elections, the exchange underscores the growing scrutiny facing both the Federal Government and INEC over the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process, as opposition parties continue to demand assurances that the electoral playing field remains level for all contestants.