Tinubu tells 2027 rivals: We’ll wrestle ourselves to the finishing line

Tinubu tells 2027 rivals: We’ll wrestle ourselves to the finishing line

President Bola Tinubu has declared that he will not give up power without a political fight ahead of the 2027 presidential election, warning opponents seeking to unseat him to prepare for a tough but fair democratic contest.

The President made the remarks while receiving members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where discussions focused on national development, governance, education, security and the future of the country.

Tinubu, who is seeking re-election in 2027, said political opponents were free to challenge him but should not expect him to make the path to the presidency easy.

“Those who would take it from me will try. They will try. All is fair in politics, and there is equal opportunity,” the President said.

“I won’t offer them a red carpet. I won’t offer them the leash to tie me at home.

“No, we will wrestle each other to the finishing point. That’s the truth. That is fair in politics.”

The remarks come as political parties and prospective candidates begin preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) expected to defend its control of the presidency while opposition parties work to strengthen their chances through alliances and political realignments.

Among the prominent opposition figures expected to play major roles in the 2027 contest are Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Peter Obi, the candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Tinubu also defended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against allegations that it favours the ruling party, insisting that the electoral body had remained neutral and had not intimidated political actors.

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“INEC is neutral. They have never intimidated anybody. If political opponents are crying wolf, then they are afraid of their own shadows and the uncertainty in the company they keep,” he said.

The President maintained that Nigeria’s democratic system provides equal opportunities for political parties and candidates to campaign, mobilise supporters and seek the mandate of voters.

He said electoral competition should be conducted within the law and that political disagreements should not undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.

Tinubu also used the meeting to defend the performance of his administration, saying difficult reforms introduced since he assumed office were beginning to produce positive results.

According to him, the government had accepted responsibility for addressing the economic and structural challenges it inherited rather than avoiding difficult decisions.

“This government has stabilised, and there is prosperity on the horizon. The quality of life is improving,” Tinubu said.

“I inherited it. I didn’t run away. I asked for this job. I’m in it.”

The President identified the uninterrupted academic calendar in public universities as one of the achievements of his administration.

He said the absence of prolonged strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had enabled students to complete their academic programmes without the repeated disruptions that affected university education in previous years.

“None of your children in university today, and I would say they are all your children because you are Reverend Fathers, can say a four-year course is not four years,” Tinubu said.

“ASUU is not on strike. They are not bringing agony to your homes. Is that not an answer to our prayers? To me, that’s an answer.”

Tinubu also addressed the long-standing demand by the Catholic Church for the return of mission schools, explaining that state governments have the authority to decide on the ownership and administration of schools within their jurisdictions.

He recalled that mission schools were returned to their original owners during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State and urged the bishops to engage governors across the country on the matter.

“The schools are in the states. Preach to them, the governors of your states. They do the job,” he said.

“There is no need for a constitutional amendment for that. That is part of democracy. Choice.”

On national security and unity, Tinubu acknowledged that Nigeria continued to face significant challenges but expressed confidence that the country could overcome them through cooperation, responsible leadership and a shared commitment to national development.

“The security situation is what it is. We don’t have another country but here,” the President said.

“This Nigeria. And we revert to our national anthem in its complexity and diversity; we shall thrive, live, rejoice and be good to all of us.”

Tinubu said Nigeria’s founding leaders handed down a country that must be strengthened and preserved for future generations.

“Our founding fathers did their best. They left us a nation, and we owe it to our generations yet unborn to build a nation of unity, stability and prosperity for the future,” he added.

The meeting was led by Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso and lasted for about an hour. It provided an opportunity for the Catholic bishops and the President to exchange views on governance, education, security, national cohesion and other issues affecting Nigerians.

Tinubu’s comments are expected to generate fresh political debate as preparations for the 2027 presidential election gather momentum.

While the APC seeks to retain power and secure another term for the President, opposition parties are expected to intensify consultations and political alliances as they work to present a strong challenge in the next election.

Tinubu tells 2027 rivals: We’ll wrestle ourselves to the finishing line