President Bola Tinubu has defended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, dismissing concerns over the electoral body’s neutrality and accusing critics of making baseless allegations.

Tinubu made the remarks on Tuesday while receiving the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by its President, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, at the State House in Abuja.

Responding to the bishops’ call for free, fair and credible elections in 2027, the president insisted that INEC remains impartial and has not intimidated any political party or candidate.

“INEC is neutral. They have never intimidated anyone. If political opponents are crying wolf, maybe they are afraid of their own shadows and the uncertainty in the company they keep, not me,” he said.

Tinubu also assured the bishops that his administration is strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture through improved intelligence gathering, the expansion of the armed forces, acquisition of more equipment, construction of new barracks and enhanced welfare for security personnel.

“We will defeat terrorism,” the president said, urging religious leaders to encourage hope and national unity.

On the economy, Tinubu maintained that his administration had stabilised the country after inheriting major financial challenges, expressing optimism that prosperity lies ahead.

He also pointed to the absence of prolonged strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), saying students can now complete their university programmes within the expected timeframe.

According to the president, the government’s reforms are beginning to yield positive results across key sectors.