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President Bola Tinubu has declared that he will vigorously contest any attempt by political opponents to unseat him in the 2027 presidential election, saying democracy requires open competition and that he will not make the path easy for his challengers. Speaking while receiving members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu said, “Those who would take it from me will try… I won’t offer them a red carpet… We will wrestle each other to the finishing point.”
The President also defended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against allegations of bias, insisting the electoral body remains neutral. He argued that opposition parties accusing INEC of unfairness were driven by uncertainty within their own ranks rather than evidence of electoral manipulation. Tinubu maintained that his administration’s reforms are beginning to yield positive results, pointing to improved economic stability and the absence of prolonged university strikes as signs of progress.
Addressing the bishops, Tinubu acknowledged that Nigerians have endured difficult economic reforms but expressed confidence that the country is on the path to greater prosperity. He urged citizens to remain patient with his administration while reaffirming his readiness to defend his mandate through the democratic process as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum.
