President Bola Tinubu has declared that he is prepared for the political contest ahead of the 2027 presidential election, insisting he will not allow the opposition to outmaneuver him.
Speaking on Tuesday while receiving members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria at the State House, Tinubu said he was fully aware of attempts by political opponents to unseat him but vowed to fight through to the end.
“I asked for this job. I’m in it. Those who will take it from me will try. They will try. All is fair in politics, and it’s equal opportunity,” the President said.
Tinubu also defended the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission, dismissing allegations of bias and insisting the electoral body remains neutral.
“INEC, you mentioned, is neutral. They’ve never, never intimidated anybody. If political opponents are crying wolves, maybe they are afraid of their own shadows and the uncertainty in the companies they keep, not me.”
The President said he would not make it easier for the opposition to challenge him politically.
“I’m ready, but I won’t give them a red carpet. I won’t offer them the leash to tie me and rope me. No, we wrestle each other to the finishing point.”
Tinubu maintained that his administration is making steady progress in improving the country’s living standards despite inherited challenges.
He said his government took over both the assets and liabilities of the previous administration and has continued to confront national issues without retreating.
“The quality of life is improving. Our founding fathers did their best; they lived for the nation, and we owe it to our generations yet unborn to build the nation of unity, stability and prosperity for the future, to educate our people.”
The President pointed to stability in public universities as one of his administration’s achievements, noting that students were now completing academic programmes without prolonged disruptions.
“You can’t say a four-year course is not four years. ASUU is not on strike. They are not bringing agony to your homes. Is that not an answer to our prayers? To me, that’s an answer.”
On security, Tinubu acknowledged the country’s ongoing challenges but urged Nigerians to remain united.
“The security situation is what it is. We don’t have another country, but here, this Nigeria.”
He added that his administration remained committed to addressing the nation’s difficulties.
“The challenges are there. I inherited it. I didn’t run away.”
Earlier, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, thanked Tinubu for the reception accorded to the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, during the celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Vatican.
Ndagoso highlighted key national concerns, including insecurity, access to quality tertiary education, poverty, the protection of democratic gains and the need for credible elections.
He also urged the President to consider returning mission schools to their original owners, ensure equal treatment of all religious groups and guarantee free, fair and credible elections in 2027.
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