Presidency Disowns 2027 Campaign Billboards, Warns Supporters Against Premature Politicking

Abuja, Nigeria – The Presidency has distanced itself from a wave of campaign billboards spotted in various cities across Nigeria, promoting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for the 2027 general elections.

In a statement released on Sunday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, expressed concern over the growing number of these political advertisements, particularly in Abuja and Kano.

Some of the billboards reportedly feature images of President Tinubu alongside First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

“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,” Onanuga said.

While acknowledging the unwavering support and enthusiasm of loyalists across the country, the Presidency warned that any form of early campaigning is a violation of Nigeria’s electoral laws.

“President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima greatly appreciate their teeming and loyal supporters… however, the two leaders do not support any campaign that breaches the laws of the land,” Onanuga stated.

He further stressed that Nigeria’s Electoral Act forbids political campaigning outside the period prescribed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“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.”

The Presidency also clarified that President Tinubu has not authorised or endorsed any group or individual to commence a 2027 campaign on his behalf, in any form—be it on billboards, digital platforms, radio, print, or television.

“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,” Onanuga stated.

He issued a stern call for an immediate halt to the ongoing billboard campaign, urging the sponsors to respect the rule of law and electoral procedures.

“We urgently call on individuals and groups funding this 2027 political campaign through the ongoing deployment of materials on billboards nationwide to cease immediately,” the statement warned.

Onanuga reiterated that the President and his Vice are currently focused on their mandate and remain committed to addressing Nigeria’s challenges.

“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.”

The statement concluded by assuring Nigerians that when the time is right and INEC signals the commencement of electoral activities, President Tinubu will communicate his intentions regarding 2027 in a transparent manner.