Tinubu Vows to Confront Opposition in 2027 Elections

During a meeting with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria on Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu declared his intention to "wrestle" opposition candidates to the finish point in the upcoming 2027 presidential election. He emphasized that he requested the presidency and is prepared to defend it against challengers, stating, “Those who will take it from me will try.” Tinubu asserted the neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), claiming it has never intimidated anyone and suggested that opponents' complaints stem from their own fears.

He stated, “I won’t give them a red carpet” and expressed his readiness for a competitive election. The presidential election is scheduled for January 16, 2027, with senatorial and House of Representatives elections occurring on the same day.

State governors and state assembly elections will follow on February 6, 2027. Tinubu, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), will face candidates including Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress and Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.