President Bola Tinubu has issued a clear warning to his supporters: stop all unauthorized campaigns for the 2027 presidential elections.
The directive, announced through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, comes in response to the sudden surge of re-election billboards and posters across key cities like Abuja and Kano.
Despite being just two years into his first term, campaign materials featuring Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and even First Lady Oluremi Tinubu have begun flooding public spaces—sparking political tension nationwide.
However, the Presidency made it clear on Sunday that these early campaign moves have not been sanctioned. “No individual or group has received any form of approval to launch a 2027 campaign,” the statement said.
Tinubu and Shettima appreciate public support but reject any actions that break the law or disrupt Nigeria’s democratic order.
Under Nigeria’s Electoral Act 2022, political campaigns before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) releases an official timetable are illegal. INEC has also repeatedly warned that any individual or party violating these laws will face sanctions.
Interestingly, the statement came shortly after Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, publicly declared that his administration had already begun campaigning for Tinubu’s re-election.
During a political event in Benin City, Okpebholo boasted that Edo youths were already being mobilized for the 2027 elections. His comments appear to contradict Tinubu’s call for calm and compliance with electoral laws.
Political observers believe some state-level party figures may be using early campaigns as a tactic to gain favor within the party or strengthen their influence ahead of party realignments.
The Presidency emphasized that such premature activities undermine fair play and distract from the critical work of governance. “President Tinubu is focused on delivering on national development goals,” Onanuga said.
These include improving infrastructure, revitalizing the economy, enhancing security, and investing in social and human capital development.
Since taking office in May 2023, Tinubu has pushed through major reforms—from removing fuel subsidies to unifying the exchange rate. While some praise these policies as necessary, others argue they’ve worsened economic hardship for everyday Nigerians.
Still, the Presidency insists that any talk of 2027 is premature. The focus now, it says, should be on governance—not politics.
“The President has not declared interest in 2027,” the statement read. “Until INEC gives the green light, all campaign efforts must stop.”
With this firm stance, political actors across the country may need to temper their ambitions and wait for the proper time—or risk facing consequences under the law.
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