2027: ‘I Won’t Let You Tie Me Down; We’ll Wrestle to the Finish’ — Tinubu Tells Opposition
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his intention to seek a second term in the 2027 presidential election, declaring that anyone seeking to unseat him must be prepared for a political contest “to the finishing point.”
The President made the remarks on Tuesday while receiving members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by its President, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, at the State House in Abuja.
Responding to concerns over the neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Tinubu insisted the electoral body had remained impartial and had not intimidated any political party.
“I asked for this job. I’m in it. Those who want to take it from me will try. All is fair in politics, and it’s equal opportunity,” the President said.
Defending INEC’s credibility, Tinubu dismissed allegations of bias, saying critics were merely projecting their own fears.
“INEC, you mentioned, is neutral. They’ve never intimidated anybody. If political opponents are crying wolf, maybe they are afraid of their own shadows and the uncertainty in the company they keep—not me.
“I’m ready, but I won’t give them a red carpet. I won’t offer them the leash to tie me. No, we’ll wrestle each other to the finishing point,” he added.
The President also defended his administration’s record, maintaining that Nigerians’ standard of living was gradually improving despite the economic and security challenges his government inherited.
According to Tinubu, one of the notable achievements of his administration is the stability in the nation’s university system, pointing out that prolonged industrial actions by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have been avoided.
“You can’t say a four-year course is no longer four years. ASUU is not on strike. They are not bringing agony to families. To me, that’s an answer to our prayers,” he said.
On security, Tinubu acknowledged that challenges remain but stressed that his administration remains committed to addressing them.
“We don’t have another country but Nigeria. Despite our complexity and diversity, we shall thrive, live in unity and prosperity. The challenges are there—I inherited them, and I did not run away,” the President stated.
Tinubu’s comments come amid growing political discussions ahead of the 2027 general election, with opposition parties intensifying consultations over possible alliances to challenge the ruling administration.
