By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Abuja, Nigeria – April 13, 2025:
The Presidency has distanced itself from a wave of campaign billboards emerging in major Nigerian cities, declaring that neither President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nor Vice President Kashim Shettima has authorized or endorsed any early campaign activities for the 2027 general elections.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, expressed dismay over the proliferation of political campaign materials, especially in Abuja and Kano, featuring the images of President Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
“The President and Vice President appreciate the loyalty and enthusiasm of their supporters across the country,” the statement read. “However, they do not condone any political activity that breaches the electoral laws of the land.”
According to Nigeria’s Electoral Act, political campaigns are not to commence until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially declares the timetable for the next election cycle. Violations of this law, the Presidency emphasized, could compromise the fairness and credibility of the electoral process.
“This premature campaigning undermines democratic institutions and creates unfair advantages. The President has not given consent—directly or indirectly—for any group or individual to promote a 2027 campaign on his behalf,” Onanuga added.
The rising number of billboards, many reportedly funded by politically motivated groups and loyalists, has sparked concerns among civil society groups and legal observers. Critics say the early politicking distracts from governance and pressures public officials to prioritize political survival over national development.
Political analysts suggest that this trend reflects growing tension within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as rival factions jostle for influence ahead of the next political cycle. However, the Presidency insists its focus remains firmly on delivering on the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda.
“President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima are fully committed to the task of nation-building,” Onanuga said, citing ongoing work in economic revitalization, infrastructure renewal, social investments, and national security.
The statement concluded with a stern warning: “We urge all individuals and groups behind these unauthorized campaigns to immediately dismantle all such materials and refrain from further violations.”
Observers say this public disclaimer may serve as a signal to ambitious politicians within the APC and beyond that the 2027 race has not yet begun—and that any attempt to jump the gun will not enjoy presidential backing.
INEC is yet to release any official schedule for the 2027 elections.
