‘Opposition Crying Wolf?’ Tinubu Breaks Silence On INEC Bias, Sends Strong Message To Critics

By Our Correspondent

President Bola Tinubu has dismissed allegations that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is being used to undermine opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the electoral body remains impartial and has never intimidated any political party.

Speaking during a meeting with Catholic Bishops in Abuja, the President declared that “all is fair in politics,” arguing that every political actor has equal opportunities to compete.

> “All is fair in politics, and everyone has equal opportunities. INEC is neutral and has never intimidated anyone. If political opponents are crying wolf, maybe they are afraid of their own shadows and the company they keep — not me,” Tinubu said.



The President’s remarks come amid mounting accusations from opposition leaders over INEC’s role in recent political developments.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had accused INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, of allegedly fueling the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to weaken opposition parties before the 2027 elections.

In a statement signed by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku alleged that the commission’s actions were part of what he described as President Tinubu’s “agenda of total state capture.”

The controversy followed claims by Nafiu Bala Gombe, who identifies himself as the National Chairman of the ADC, that he had successfully uploaded the party’s candidates’ names to INEC’s portal.

Atiku questioned how Gombe allegedly obtained the access code required for the upload, despite the commission reportedly recognizing former Senate President David Mark as the leader of the party’s valid national executive.

He urged the INEC chairman to stop what he described as interference in the affairs of opposition parties.

Tinubu, however, rejected suggestions that the electoral umpire was acting with bias, maintaining that Nigeria’s electoral process remains open and fair to all contestants.

The President insisted that complaints from some opposition figures may be driven more by internal political challenges than by the actions of the electoral commission.

The exchange underscores the deepening political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections, as the ruling party and opposition continue to clash over the credibility and independence of Nigeria’s electoral process.