President Bola Tinubu has declared that he is fully prepared to seek a second term in 2027, warning political opponents that they would have to fight hard if they intend to unseat him at the next presidential election.
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 about the credibility of the electoral process, Tinubu defended the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), insisting that the commission had remained impartial and had not intimidated any political party.
“I asked for this job, and I’m doing it. Those who want to take it from me will certainly try. Politics is a contest, and everyone has an equal opportunity,” he said.
The President dismissed allegations of bias against INEC, arguing that opposition parties were creating unnecessary fears.
“INEC is neutral. They have never intimidated anybody. If political opponents are crying wolf, perhaps they are afraid of their own shadows and the uncertainty surrounding those they associate with, not me,” Tinubu stated.
He stressed that he would not make the race for the presidency easy for his challengers.
“I’m ready, but I won’t roll out the red carpet for anyone. I won’t allow anyone to tie me down. We’ll wrestle to the very end,” he added.
Tinubu also defended his administration’s record, maintaining that living conditions in the country were gradually improving despite the economic and security challenges inherited by his government.
According to him, the nation’s founding fathers laid a solid foundation, and the current administration has a responsibility to build a more united, stable and prosperous Nigeria for future generations.
The President pointed to the uninterrupted academic calendar in public universities as one of the achievements of his administration, noting that the absence of prolonged industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had brought relief to many families.
“You can now complete a four-year course in four years. ASUU is not on strike and families are no longer going through that agony. To me, that is an answer to our prayers,” he said.
On security, Tinubu acknowledged that challenges remain but reaffirmed his commitment to addressing them.
“We have no other country but Nigeria. Despite our diversity and complexities, we must continue to work together for peace, unity and progress. The challenges are real, but I inherited them and I have not run away from the responsibility,” the President said.
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