Tinubu: INEC Is Neutral, Opponents ‘Crying Wolf’ Fear Their Own Shadows

President Bola Tinubu has dismissed allegations that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is favouring the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the electoral body remains neutral.

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.

According to a statement issued by Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said all political parties have equal opportunities under the electoral process.

“The opportunities are equal. INEC is neutral. They have never intimidated anyone,” the President said.

“If political opponents are crying wolf, maybe they are afraid of their own shadows and uncertainty in the companies they keep, not me.”

Opposition parties have repeatedly accused INEC of actions they claim favour the APC ahead of the next general elections.

On security, Tinubu said his administration is strengthening intelligence gathering while restructuring and repositioning security institutions to tackle terrorism and other threats across the country.

He disclosed that he had approved the expansion of the armed forces, including the acquisition of additional equipment and the construction of new military barracks.

“We will defeat terrorism. It should be part of your sermons,” he told the bishops.

Speaking on the economy, Tinubu said his administration inherited significant fiscal challenges but had succeeded in stabilising the country and preventing economic collapse.

“The economy has recovered. The alarm for bankruptcy and dark tunnel of uncertainty that we had when I came in has been changed,” he said.

“The economy has been delivered from bankruptcy, and there is prosperity on the horizon.”

Earlier, Archbishop Ndagoso urged the President to strengthen democratic institutions, describing that as the most enduring legacy of his administration.

He also appealed for credible elections, the fair treatment of all religious groups and consideration for the return of mission schools.

Ndagoso noted that Tinubu, having played a prominent role in Nigeria’s struggle for democracy, has an opportunity to further consolidate democratic governance.

The meeting was attended by 19 senior Catholic clerics, including Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Bishop Matthew Kukah of Sokoto, Cardinal-designate Peter Okpaleke of Ekwulobia and several other members of the CBCN leadership.