All political parties have equal opportunities ahead of 2027 polls- Tinubu

… Assures CBCN of security reforms, says economy has recovered from bankruptcy

President Bola Tinubu has declared that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has remained neutral and has not intimidated any political party ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that all contestants have equal opportunities under the electoral process. ExecutiveBranch

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said claims by some political opponents that the electoral umpire was biased were unfounded, suggesting that such concerns stemmed more from internal uncertainties than any action by the commission.

“INEC is neutral. The opportunities are equal. They have never intimidated anyone. If political opponents are crying wolf, maybe they are afraid of their own shadows and uncertainty in the companies they keep, not me,” Tinubu said while receiving the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by its President, Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso, at the State House, Abuja. ExecutiveBranch

The President’s remarks came after the Catholic bishops appealed for credible, free and fair elections in 2027, urging him to strengthen democratic institutions as part of his enduring legacy.

Addressing the delegation of 20 bishops, Tinubu also assured Nigerians that the ongoing restructuring of the nation’s security architecture would ultimately defeat terrorism, banditry and kidnapping. ExecutiveBranch

He said the Federal Government was repositioning security institutions through enhanced intelligence gathering, institutional reforms, improved logistics and greater attention to the welfare of frontline 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. I won’t deviate from our national anthem”, the President said as he urged religious leaders to actively preach against violence and support efforts to restore peace.

On the economy, Tinubu maintained that his administration had successfully steered Nigeria away from bankruptcy, saying difficult reforms undertaken since he assumed office were beginning to yield positive results.

“I have listened to you carefully, and most importantly, your key areas are security and education. I can tell you categorically with sincerity that the country has been placed on a sound footing. The economy has recovered. The alarm for bankruptcy and dark tunnel of uncertainty that we had when I came in has been changed.

“The spirit of the people is lifting, and the economic turmoil that we feared is cleared. The economy has been delivered from bankruptcy.

“I inherited the assets and liabilities of my predecessor. I have been running with it. This government has stabilised, and there is prosperity on the horizon. Life is improving”, he said.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to poverty reduction through interventions such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), while urging Nigerians to embrace education, entrepreneurship and skills acquisition as pathways to economic empowerment.

He also pointed to the stability in the university system, noting that students were now completing academic programmes without disruptions caused by prolonged industrial actions.

“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. Is that not an answer to our prayers? For me, that’s answered prayer”, he said.

Tinubu stressed that national unity, stability and prosperity must remain the collective responsibility of all Nigerians, regardless of religious or political affiliation.

On the issue of mission schools, the President reminded the bishops that state governors possessed the constitutional authority to decide on their return, recalling that he restored mission schools during his tenure as governor of Lagos State.

“I returned all mission schools when I was the governor of Lagos State, and Cardinal Okogie, one of my best friends, is alive to testify to that”, he said.

He added that the Federal Government had approved more universities to expand access to higher education, noting that enrolment data from the National Universities Commission would support effective implementation of NELFUND.

Earlier, Archbishop Ndagoso thanked the President for the reception accorded Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, during the recent celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Vatican.

The CBCN President raised concerns over insecurity, poverty, access to quality tertiary education, democratic consolidation and the need for credible elections, while urging the government to consider the return of mission schools and ensure equal treatment of all religious groups in the provision of places of worship.

“As a man who risked so much in the struggle for the return of democratic rule in the dark days of the military dictatorship, your greatest legacy would be the strengthening of our democratic institutions”, Archbishop Ndagoso said.

Also on the CBCN entourage were Most Rev. Alfred Martins, Archbishop of Lagos and CBCN Vice President; Most Rev. Peter Odetoyinbo, Bishop of Abeokuta and CBCN Secretary; Most Rev. Moses Chikwe, Auxiliary Bishop of Owerri and CBCN Assistant Secretary; John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja; Peter Cardinal Okpaleke, Bishop of Ekwulobia; Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop of Abuja; Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin, Archbishop of Ibadan; and Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, Archbishop of Onitsha.

Others were Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, Bishop of Oyo; Most Rev. Gerald Musa, Bishop of Katsina; Most Rev. Matthew Kukah, Bishop of Sokoto; Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, Bishop of Enugu; Most Rev. Godfrey Onah, Bishop of Nsukka; Most Rev. Augustine Echema, Bishop of Aba; Most Rev. Christopher Naseri, Auxiliary Bishop of Calabar; Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo, Secretary General of the CBCN; Rev. Fr. Peter Audu, Director of the Church and Society Department; Rev. Fr. Michael Imhadowinyi; and Dickson Adeyanju.