“Those crying wolf are afraid of their own shadows, not me” — Tinubu defends INEC ahead of 2027
President Defends Electoral Commission Ahead of 2027 Elections
ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu has expressed strong support for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections. During a meeting with the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) on Tuesday, Tinubu dismissed concerns regarding the commission’s impartiality, labeling such criticisms as baseless accusations from political opponents.
The bishops, led by President Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, urged the administration to ensure that the upcoming elections are free, fair, and credible, identifying credible polling as a key legacy for Tinubu’s government.
In his response, the president insisted that INEC has consistently maintained a neutral stance without intimidating any political entity. “INEC is neutral. They have never intimidated anyone. If political opponents are crying wolf, maybe they are afraid of their own shadows and uncertainty in the company they keep, not me,” he stated.
Tinubu also assured the bishops that his administration is actively enhancing the country’s security framework to combat terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. He emphasized the importance of improved intelligence gathering, restructuring security institutions, and providing better welfare for security personnel. “I have just approved the expansion of the armed forces. We are getting more equipment, building new barracks. We will defeat terrorism. It should be part of your sermons,” he added.
On economic matters, Tinubu expressed optimism that the country has overcome the financial difficulties inherited by his administration. “This government has stabilized, and there is prosperity on the horizon. Life is improving,” he asserted.
The president further noted that the absence of prolonged strikes by university lecturers allows students to complete their programs on time. “You can’t say a four-year course in the university is not four years now. ASUU is not on strike. They are not bringing agony to our homes,” Tinubu said.
The meeting underscores the administration’s commitment to addressing electoral integrity, security challenges, and economic stability in the coming years.
