2027: Tinubu challenges rivals, vows fight to finish

President Bola Tinubu has issued a stern warning to his political opponents, vowing to resist any attempts to unseat him in the 2027 elections. Speaking to the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria in Abuja, Tinubu declared that he would not yield ground easily, stating, “We will wrestle each other to the finishing point.” He emphasized that all tactics are fair in a democratic contest and refused to offer his rivals a smooth path to power.

“

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

Tinubu also defended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against accusations of bias, asserting its neutrality. He pointed to the uninterrupted academic calendar as a tangible benefit of his administration's reforms, noting that public universities have not experienced strikes since he took office in May 2023. This contrasts sharply with the history of prolonged industrial actions by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which had caused significant disruptions to students' education in the past.

“

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.

Addressing the nation's economic situation, President Tinubu acknowledged inheriting both assets and liabilities from the previous administration. However, he insisted that his government has achieved stabilization and that improved economic conditions are imminent. He stated, “This government has stabilised, and there is prosperity on the horizon. The quality of life is improving.” Tinubu affirmed his commitment to the difficult decisions required to lead the country, stating, “I inherited it. I didn’t run away. I asked for this job. I’m in it.” He also mentioned his administration's efforts to return mission schools to their original proprietors, a move he initiated during his tenure as Lagos State Governor.

“

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. 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.