April 13, (THEWILL) – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a stern directive to his supporters and affiliated political groups to immediately cease all premature campaigns and promotional activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that such actions violate the Electoral Act.
In a statement on Sunday, signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed concern over the proliferation of unauthorised billboards and campaign materials emerging in major cities including Abuja and Kano, promoting his re-election bid and featuring Vice President Kashim Shettima and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.
The President’s intervention comes amid recent public declarations by politicians, including Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who announced that his administration had already commenced mobilization for Tinubu’s second term. Governor Okpebholo made the statement last week during a political rally in Benin City.
However, the Presidency, citing provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, stressed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to lift the ban on political campaigns for the 2027 polls, making all such activities illegal and subject to sanction.
“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.
“While President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima deeply appreciate the support and enthusiasm of their loyal base across the country, they do not condone any campaign that breaches the laws of the land,” the statement read.
Onanuga emphasised that neither the President nor the Vice President has endorsed any campaign ahead of INEC’s official timetable, warning that such premature political activities not only flout the electoral laws but also distract from the current administration’s governance priorities.
“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 sanctity of the electoral process,” he said.
The Presidency, therefore, called on all individuals, groups, and sponsors of the ongoing campaign promotions to halt their actions immediately.
“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 through any media platform — be it Out-of-Home, print, digital, radio or television.”
Reaffirming the administration’s current focus, the statement noted that Tinubu and Shettima remain committed to delivering on their mandate of economic recovery, infrastructural development, human capital investment, and national security.
“When INEC signals that the processes for the 2027 elections can begin, President Tinubu will duly inform Nigerians of his plans,” the statement concluded.
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