The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, on Wednesday assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu’s administration would not interfere with the legal autonomy of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the Federal Government remains committed to constitutional democracy, the rule of law and multi-party politics.
Akume also dismissed suggestions that the Tinubu administration was pursuing a one-party state, stressing that all political parties and candidates would continue to enjoy the constitutional freedom to organise, campaign and seek the mandate of Nigerians.
The SGF gave the assurance in a personally signed statement following recent engagements between President Tinubu and the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), amid public discussions about the state of the nation and the country’s democratic process.
He said the Federal Government believes that many of Nigeria’s pressing challenges can only be addressed through sustained partnerships with faith communities, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector and citizens, stressing that constructive engagement is essential to promoting peace, social cohesion and national development.
He added that the Federal Government would continue to protect democratic institutions and respect the independence of constitutionally established bodies.
“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue to respect the legal autonomy of the Independent National Electoral Commission and will make available resources lawfully appropriated for the discharge of its responsibilities,” Akume said.
He added that security agencies had conducted themselves professionally and impartially during elections, particularly under the scrutiny of international observers.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to democratic governance, Akume said Nigeria’s democracy guarantees genuine political competition, lawful opposition, credible elections and the protection of citizens’ rights to participate freely in the electoral process.
According to him, the registration of 21 political parties by INEC demonstrates that political pluralism remains alive in the country.
“The Government neither seeks nor supports a one-party state. Political parties and candidates are free to organise, campaign and seek the confidence of voters in accordance with the Constitution and the law,” he stated.
The SGF also reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to constitutional democracy, the rule of law and equal rights for every Nigerian, regardless of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.
He noted that the administration remained committed to protecting democratic institutions while safeguarding the religious freedom guaranteed under the Constitution.
Akume said that, beyond politics, the Federal Government believes many of Nigeria’s pressing challenges can only be addressed through broad-based partnerships involving faith communities, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector and ordinary citizens.
He described constructive engagement between the government and these groups as essential to promoting peace, strengthening social cohesion and advancing national development.
According to him, the government would continue to sustain dialogue and conflict prevention through the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), while deepening consultations with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference and other faith-based organisations on issues affecting the nation.
He said the Tinubu administration remained open to honest counsel and constructive criticism, adding that no responsible government should ignore the concerns of its citizens.
On security, Akume said the President had authorised continued reforms to the country’s security architecture, including changes to force structure, intelligence coordination, logistics, recruitment, technology and personnel welfare.
He said the establishment of the Office of Homeland Security further underscored the administration’s commitment to strengthening domestic security, adding that the ongoing reforms would require sustained implementation and accountability.
The SGF maintained that despite differences of opinion on some national issues, both the Federal Government and the Catholic Church shared a common aspiration of building a peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria.
“Our diversity is our source of strength. In spite of many differences, we are one people,” Akume said.
