Tinubu Rejects Claims of Electoral Intimidation, Defends INEC’s Neutrality

President Bola Tinubu has dismissed allegations of electoral intimidation, insisting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) remains a neutral institution that has never intimidated any political actor.

The President stated this on Tuesday during a meeting with members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The bishops, led by the President of the conference, Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, urged Tinubu to safeguard the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process by ensuring a level playing field for all political parties, adequately funding INEC and supporting elections that genuinely reflect the will of the electorate.

Responding, Tinubu rejected suggestions of political interference in the electoral process, maintaining that INEC had conducted its responsibilities without intimidation.

According to the President, “INEC has never intimidated anybody,” adding that many political opponents were merely “afraid of their own shadows.”

Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system.

Beyond electoral matters, discussions at the meeting also focused on the country’s economy, security, education and religious freedom, with both parties exchanging views on national development and governance.

The meeting formed part of ongoing engagements between the Presidency and key religious stakeholders on issues affecting the nation.