Jul 29, 2026

No Red Carpet for Oppositions, Tinubu Vows Fight to the Finish

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in politics

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Abuja, Nigeria- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has thrown down the gauntlet ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that political opponents seeking to unseat him will have to “wrestle” him all the way to the finishing line.

Speaking on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, while receiving the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu made clear he has no intention of stepping aside quietly.

“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, delivered in a meeting that lasted barely an hour, have quickly dominated political conversation across Nigeria.

The video of Tinubu speaking has circulated widely on social media, amplifying both support and sharp criticism.

Defending INEC and Pointing to Tangible Gains

Tinubu used the same platform to reject opposition claims that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is biased.

“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 stated.

He also highlighted what he described as clear progress under his administration.

The President pointed to the unbroken university academic calendar and the absence of prolonged strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) since he assumed office in May 2023.

“None of your children in university today 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?” he told the bishops, led by Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso.

On the economy, Tinubu acknowledged the difficult reforms his government has pursued after inheriting what he called both the assets and liabilities of the previous administration.

“This government has stabilised, and there is prosperity on the horizon. The quality of life is improving,” he said. “I inherited it. I didn’t run away. I asked for this job. I’m in it.”

Mission Schools, Security and National Unity

The President also addressed the long-standing request for the return of mission schools to their original proprietors.

He noted that as Lagos State governor he had returned such schools but insisted the power now rests with state governors rather than the Federal Government.

On security, Tinubu described the challenges as a generational problem that Nigeria must confront together: “We don’t have another country but here… 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.”

Reactions and the Road to 2027

The comments have drawn mixed reactions. Some supporters see them as a confident signal of political readiness.

Critics, including opposition voices, have urged the President to prioritise insecurity, economic hardship and governance over political combat.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on Tinubu to “fight terrorists, not the opposition,” citing recent deadly attacks.

With the presidential election scheduled for January 16, 2027, Tinubu’s remarks set an early, combative tone for what is expected to be a hard-fought contest involving major opposition figures.

Whether the President’s “wrestle to the finish” approach will energise his base or further polarise the political landscape remains to be seen. What is clear is that the 2027 race has already begun in earnest.