President Bola Tinubu has vowed not to give opposition parties an easy path ahead of the 2027 presidential election, declaring that he is prepared for a tough political contest and will fight until the end.
Tinubu made the statement on Tuesday during a meeting with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by its President, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, at the State House.
The President, who is seeking another term under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said he remains committed to the political battle ahead and would not provide opponents with any advantage.
Tinubu also dismissed concerns about the neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), insisting that the electoral umpire has remained impartial and has not intimidated any political actor.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The President stated that he willingly sought the presidency and understands that those seeking to replace him have the right to compete, adding that politics provides equal opportunities for all contenders.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu further declared that he would not offer his political opponents an easy route to victory, saying the contest would be determined through a serious political struggle.
“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,” he stated.
The 2027 general elections are expected to be a major political contest, with the presidential election scheduled to hold alongside elections for members of the National Assembly.
The governorship and state House of Assembly elections are expected to follow later in February 2027.
Tinubu is expected to defend his mandate against several opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other presidential contenders.
The President’s remarks have further intensified political activities ahead of the 2027 election, with parties already positioning themselves and mobilising supporters across the country.
