The Presidency has issued a warning following the emergence of billboards in Abuja and Kano promoting the 2027 presidential campaign of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
In a statement released on Sunday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, expressed concern over what the Presidency described as a premature and unauthorized political campaign.
“The Presidency has observed, with dismay, the increasing number of billboards in some cities promoting the 2027 campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima,” the statement read.
According to Onanuga, the billboards, some of which include images of President Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, have been particularly noticeable in Abuja and Kano.
“While President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima greatly appreciate their teeming and loyal supporters across the country for their enthusiasm and continuing support, the two leaders do not support any campaign that breaches the laws of the land.”
The statement emphasized that current electoral laws prohibit campaigning ahead of the official timetable set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“The electoral law that guides the conduct of elections and political campaigns forbids any form of campaign for the 2027 general elections. Premature campaigning can undermine the integrity of the electoral process and create unfair advantages. As law-abiding leaders, President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima do not support any action that undermines our institutions and the electoral process.”
Onanuga made it clear that no approval has been granted for any group or individual to commence campaign efforts on behalf of the President or his deputy.
“Until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) sets the timetable for the 2027 elections, the President has not endorsed or authorised anyone or any group to mount a 2027 campaign for him through any media channel—be it Out-of-Home, print, digital, radio, or television.”
The Presidency called on those responsible for funding and promoting these campaign materials to immediately desist.
“Therefore, we urgently call on individuals and groups funding this 2027 political campaign through the ongoing deployment of materials on billboards nationwide to cease immediately.”
“President Tinubu and his deputy are fully committed to delivering the ongoing task of nation-building they have set for themselves. This commitment is evident in their focus on economic revitalisation, human capital development, infrastructural renewal, social investment, and national security.
“When INEC signals that the processes for the 2027 elections can start, President Tinubu will duly inform Nigerians of his plans,” the statement added.
