The Presidency has disassociated itself from a wave of billboards promoting a 2027 re-election bid for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, describing the move as both illegal and unauthorized.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, expressed concern over the increasing appearance of such billboards in various parts of the country, particularly in Abuja and Kano.
Many of these displays feature images of President Tinubu and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, accompanied by campaign-style messages hinting at a second-term ambition.
“While President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima deeply appreciate the unwavering support and enthusiasm of their loyal supporters nationwide, they do not endorse or condone any campaign activities that contravene the laws of the land,” Onanuga stated.
He cited the provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act, which prohibit early campaigning before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) releases an official timetable, warning that such actions could “undermine the integrity of the electoral process and confer an undue advantage.”
“As law-abiding leaders, President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima are committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting the credibility of our electoral institutions,” he added.
Onanuga clarified that neither the President nor the Vice President has approved or authorized any individual or group to initiate campaign activities on their behalf via billboards, digital media, print, radio, or television.
“Until INEC officially announces the commencement of the 2027 election process, President Tinubu has not sanctioned any form of campaign, directly or indirectly,” the statement stressed.
The Presidency, therefore, urged those behind the premature campaign materials to halt their activities immediately and respect Nigeria’s electoral laws.
According to Onanuga, President Tinubu remains fully committed to his current mandate, with a strong focus on national development priorities such as economic revitalisation, human capital development, infrastructure renewal, social investments, and national security.
“When the time comes and INEC opens the window for electioneering, President Tinubu will communicate his decision to Nigerians,” he submitted.
