President Bola Tinubu has defended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against allegations of partisanship, insisting that the electoral umpire remains impartial and has continued to provide a level playing field for all political parties.
The President made the remarks on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, while receiving the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where discussions focused on governance, national security, democracy and the country’s political climate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Responding to concerns about the credibility of future elections, Tinubu dismissed claims that INEC was working in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), maintaining that the Commission had not intimidated any political party.
“INEC is neutral. They have never intimidated anyone. If political opponents are crying wolf, maybe they are afraid of their own shadows,” the President said.
Tinubu urged political parties to focus on strengthening their structures and earning the confidence of Nigerians rather than blaming the electoral body for their political challenges.
The President maintained that his administration would not interfere with the operations of INEC, stressing that the Commission remains an independent institution established to conduct free, fair and credible elections.
He also reiterated his commitment to protecting Nigeria’s democratic process and ensuring that all political parties have equal opportunities to participate in the 2027 elections without intimidation or undue interference.
During the meeting, Tinubu assured the Catholic bishops that his administration would continue to uphold the rule of law, strengthen democratic institutions and promote national unity through inclusive governance.
The visit by the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria formed part of ongoing engagements between the Federal Government and key stakeholders on issues affecting the country, including security, governance, economic reforms and preparations for the next general elections.
The President’s remarks come amid increasing political activities ahead of the 2027 elections, with opposition parties raising concerns over the conduct of electoral institutions. Tinubu, however, insisted that Nigerians should have confidence in INEC’s ability to discharge its constitutional responsibilities fairly and independently.