Arise News Director of News Sumner Sambo urges President Bola Tinubu to stop defending or publicly assuring Nigerians that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is neutral ahead of the 2027 general elections. Sambo’s position comes after Tinubu says INEC remains impartial and has not intimidated any political party or candidate. Tinubu made the remarks during a meeting with leaders of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the State House in Abuja, responding to bishops’ calls for free, fair and credible polls. In reaction, Sambo argues that it is not the President’s role to declare whether INEC has been fair, saying Nigerians need to see neutrality demonstrated by INEC itself. He adds that INEC should further distance itself from government and people close to government to avoid perceptions that could be linked to presidential statements. The exchange reflects heightened scrutiny of INEC’s independence as political activity increases toward the 2027 election, with public debate intensifying around whether the electoral body is perceived as independent.