Tinubu distances self from 2027 campaign billboards

The Presidency has disassociated itself from the rising number of campaign billboards appearing in parts of the country promoting the 2027 presidential ambition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

This disclosure was made in a statement released Sunday via the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, the Presidency expressed concern over the spread of such campaign materials, especially in cities like Abuja and Kano, where billboards bearing the images of President Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu have been spotted.

While acknowledging the support and enthusiasm of loyal followers across the nation, the Presidency stressed that neither the President nor his deputy has approved or authorised any campaign efforts geared towards the 2027 general elections.

“The electoral law that guides the conduct of elections and political campaigns forbids any form of campaign for the 2027 general elections,” the statement read in part. “Premature campaigning can undermine the integrity of the electoral process and create unfair advantages.”

The statement reaffirmed President Tinubu’s and Vice President Shettima’s respect for the rule of law and Nigeria’s electoral institutions, emphasising their commitment to upholding the provisions of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding the timeline for electioneering activities.

“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,” Onanuga clarified.

He further called on individuals and groups sponsoring such billboards to halt the act with immediate effect.

The statement reaffirmed the administration’s focus on governance, highlighting key areas such as economic revitalisation, infrastructure development, human capital growth, social investment, and national security as the President’s current priorities.

“When INEC signals that the processes for the 2027 elections can start, President Tinubu will duly inform Nigerians of his plans,” the statement concluded.