The Nigerian Presidency has formally disavowed and condemned the premature emergence of campaign billboards and other promotional materials advocating for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in the 2027 general elections. These unauthorized displays, featuring images of the President and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, have been spotted in major cities like Abuja and Kano, sparking concerns about potential violations of electoral laws and the integrity of the democratic process. Through a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the Presidency categorically distanced itself from these campaigns, emphasizing that neither President Tinubu nor Vice President Shettima has sanctioned or endorsed any such initiatives. The statement urged those responsible for the premature campaigning to immediately cease their activities and respect the prescribed legal framework governing elections.
The Presidency’s statement underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring a level playing field for all political actors. It highlights that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is the sole authority empowered to set the timetable for elections and that any campaign activities undertaken before INEC’s official declaration are considered premature and potentially disruptive to the electoral process. By preemptively disowning these unauthorized campaigns, the Presidency aims to reinforce its commitment to due process and maintain the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions. The statement explicitly states that President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima are dedicated to fulfilling their current mandate of nation-building and will not condone any actions that undermine the established electoral procedures.
Furthermore, the Presidency’s disavowal serves to dispel any perception of implicit approval or encouragement for premature campaigning. It clarifies that the President and Vice President have not authorized any individual or group to launch a 2027 campaign on their behalf through any media platform, including billboards, print media, digital platforms, radio, or television. This explicit denial aims to prevent any misrepresentation of their stance and discourage further unauthorized campaign activities. The statement reiterates the importance of adhering to INEC’s guidelines and emphasizes that any future campaign plans will be communicated to the Nigerian public through official channels and only after INEC has given the green light for the 2027 electoral process to commence.
The Presidency’s statement also highlights the administration’s current priorities, which are centered on addressing pressing national issues. These include revitalizing the economy, investing in human capital development, upgrading infrastructure, strengthening social investment programs, and enhancing national security. By emphasizing these focus areas, the statement underscores the administration’s commitment to fulfilling its present responsibilities and achieving tangible progress on these critical fronts before engaging in any future electoral campaigns. This demonstrates a commitment to governance over politicking and reinforces the message that the current focus is on serving the Nigerian people and delivering on the promises made during the 2023 election cycle.
The explicit rejection of the premature 2027 campaign also serves to preemptively address concerns about potential abuse of power and resources. By distancing themselves from these unsanctioned activities, President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima aim to demonstrate their commitment to transparency and accountability. They are essentially sending a clear message that they will not tolerate the misuse of public funds or government machinery for personal political gain, and that they respect the boundaries set by electoral laws. This proactive approach aims to build public trust and ensure that the electoral process remains fair and credible.
In closing, the Presidency’s firm disavowal of the premature 2027 campaign billboards and materials underscores its dedication to upholding the rule of law, respecting the electoral process, and prioritizing national development. The clear and unequivocal message sent to the public is that the focus remains on delivering good governance and fulfilling the promises made to the Nigerian people. The statement serves as a reminder that electoral campaigns must adhere to the stipulated legal framework and timetable established by INEC to ensure a level playing field for all political actors and maintain the integrity of the democratic process. President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima have made it abundantly clear that their current efforts are directed towards addressing the nation’s challenges and that any considerations regarding future elections will be addressed at the appropriate time and in accordance with established procedures.
