Abuja, Nigeria – Amid mounting political activity just two years into his first term, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a firm directive to supporters and political groups to stop all premature campaign activities aimed at promoting his re-election in 2027.
The order was conveyed in an official statement released on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. The statement expressed concern over the increasing display of campaign materials, including billboards and posters, in cities such as Abuja, Kano, and other urban centers.
These unauthorized promotional efforts, which feature images of President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and even Senator Oluremi Tinubu, appear to be laying the groundwork for a 2027 campaign. However, the Presidency has strongly denounced these actions, emphasizing that they are not only unsolicited but also in violation of Nigeria’s Electoral Act 2022, which prohibits campaigns outside the legally approved election schedule.
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Premature Political Activities Spark Legal and Ethical Concerns
The President’s firm stance comes amid growing political maneuvering within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). According to Onanuga, President Tinubu has not approved any campaign activity, either directly or indirectly, and any ongoing promotional campaigns are unauthorized.
“President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima deeply appreciate the continued support and goodwill from Nigerians,” the statement said. “However, they do not endorse any activity that violates the laws of the land or the sanctity of the electoral process.”
The premature political messaging, seen by many as a subtle attempt to shape early political narratives, risks violating Nigeria’s electoral regulations. According to the Electoral Act, political campaigns are only permissible once the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially releases the election timetable.
Observers argue that the early rollout of promotional materials could distort the democratic process, create unfair advantages, and distract both the electorate and public officials from pressing governance issues.
Campaign Posters Appear Across Nigeria Despite Warnings
In recent weeks, campaign posters, billboards, and banners bearing slogans and images suggesting a “Tinubu 2027” campaign have appeared in public spaces. These include designs highlighting the President’s achievements, his wife Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and other prominent APC figures.
The coordinated nature of the posters has raised questions about whether state-level party actors or interest groups are operating independently—or are simply testing political waters ahead of internal realignments within the APC.
The appearance of campaign materials in politically strategic regions like Abuja and Kano has fueled speculation about the early mobilisation of support, despite the absence of any official signal from the President or the party’s national leadership.
Governor’s Comments Contradict Presidential Message
The situation escalated further following remarks by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who publicly declared during a political rally that his administration had begun campaigning for Tinubu’s re-election.
“The next election, especially the 2027 presidential election, we are ready in Edo State. We have kick-started our own campaigns for the President in 2027. We have to mobilise the youths in our state,” the governor said at a defection ceremony in Benin City, where a PDP lawmaker officially joined the APC.
This statement directly contradicts the President’s directive and has sparked concerns over internal disunity and disregard for electoral guidelines within the APC.
While Governor Okpebholo’s enthusiasm may reflect strong local support for Tinubu, political analysts have noted that such premature declarations can undermine the credibility of the democratic process and expose political figures to legal sanctions.
INEC and Legal Boundaries on Campaigning
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has on multiple occasions reiterated that political campaigns must be conducted within the limits set by the law. Any group, individual, or political party found to be engaging in premature campaigning could face disciplinary action, fines, or disqualification.
Under the Electoral Act 2022, early campaigns are prohibited to ensure fair play and to prevent the abuse of incumbency. By officially distancing himself from these activities, President Tinubu is reinforcing his administration’s respect for democratic norms.
Legal experts have applauded the President’s firm stance, noting that it sets an important precedent for political accountability.
“This cease-and-desist directive is important for setting the tone,” said Dr. Nathaniel Umeh, a political analyst based in Abuja. “It sends a message to political actors that the administration is focused on governance, not premature politicking.”
Presidency Reaffirms Governance Priorities Over 2027 Agenda
Since assuming office in May 2023, President Tinubu has launched an ambitious reform program aimed at stabilising Nigeria’s economy, enhancing infrastructure, and improving national security. These include:
- Fuel subsidy removal
- Currency unification
- Central Bank reforms
- Drive to attract foreign investment
- Expansion of social intervention programs
These policies, while hailed by some as bold and necessary, have also led to public outcry over rising inflation, increased cost of living, and growing economic hardship.
Despite the mounting pressure, the Presidency maintains that the administration remains focused on delivering its Renewed Hope Agenda, not political campaigns.
“President Tinubu and his deputy are fully committed to the task of nation-building,” said Onanuga. “Their top priorities remain economic revitalisation, infrastructure renewal, human capital development, social investment, and national security.”
Political Actors Urged to Uphold Democratic Integrity
In light of the President’s directive, political actors, campaign groups, and party loyalists are being advised to suspend all 2027-related promotional activities until INEC formally declares the start of the election season.
The Presidency has warned that further violations of the Electoral Act will not be tolerated and has urged all stakeholders to respect the rule of law.
“Let there be no ambiguity,” the statement concluded. “No individual or group has the President’s blessing to campaign on his behalf for 2027. Any such efforts should stop immediately.”
Conclusion: Focus on Governance, Not Politics
With the 2027 general election still more than two years away, President Tinubu’s directive marks a significant effort to rein in premature political campaigns and reaffirm his administration’s focus on governance.
The move is being viewed as an attempt to maintain institutional integrity, deter abuse of political power, and ensure that future elections are conducted under a level playing field.
As the nation continues to navigate complex socio-economic challenges, political stakeholders are being reminded that now is the time for performance—not politicking.
Until the INEC timetable is released, the Presidency’s message is clear: governance first, politics later.
