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ABUJA, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his determination to seek a second term in office, declaring that he will not make the 2027 presidential election an easy contest for opposition parties.
Speaking during a meeting with members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the President said anyone seeking to unseat him must be prepared for a political contest until the very end.
“I asked for this job. I’m in it. Those who want to take it from me will try, and they have every right to try. Politics is about equal opportunity, but I won’t give anyone a red carpet. I won’t allow them to tie me down. We will wrestle to the finishing point,” Tinubu said.
The President also defended the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), dismissing allegations that the electoral body favours the ruling party.
According to him, INEC has not intimidated any political party, arguing that opposition parties raising concerns about the commission may simply be dealing with internal political uncertainties rather than institutional bias.
Beyond politics, Tinubu highlighted what he described as key achievements of his administration, pointing to the uninterrupted academic calendar in Nigerian public universities as evidence of progress.
He noted that the absence of prolonged industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has allowed students to complete academic programmes on schedule, describing it as a significant improvement compared to previous years.
Addressing concerns over Nigeria’s economy and security challenges, the President acknowledged that his administration inherited serious economic and governance problems but insisted reforms are beginning to produce positive results.
He maintained that living conditions are gradually improving and called on Nigerians to remain united despite the country’s challenges, emphasizing that nation-building requires collective commitment and long-term sacrifice.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for the Catholic Bishops to raise concerns over national security, poverty, education, electoral credibility, and the return of mission schools. They urged the Federal Government to ensure free, fair, and credible elections ahead of the 2027 general elections while promoting national unity and religious inclusiveness.
Tinubu’s remarks come as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election continue to gather momentum, with opposition parties intensifying consultations and realignments in preparation for what is expected to be one of Nigeria’s most closely watched presidential contests.
