Presidency disowns 2027 billboards, warns against early campaigns

By Kunle Sanni

The Nigerian Presidency has distanced itself from a growing wave of 2027 campaign billboards appearing in cities across the country, warning that the unauthorised political displays are illegal and premature.

In a statement issued on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the Presidency expressed “dismay” over the emergence of campaign materials featuring President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and, in some instances, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

In recent months, several billboards have been spotted in Abuja and Kano, promoting what appears to be an early campaign for the 2027 general elections.

“While President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima greatly appreciate their teeming and loyal supporters across the country for their enthusiasm and continued support, the two leaders do not support any campaign that breaches the laws of the land,” the statement read.

The Presidency reminded the public that, under Nigeria’s Electoral Act, any form of campaign ahead of the timetable set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is illegal and potentially disruptive to the democratic process.

“Premature campaigning can undermine the integrity of the electoral process and create unfair advantages,” Onanuga stated.

“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 stated that no individual or group has been authorised to mount a campaign or promote the President’s candidacy through billboards, print, digital, or broadcast media. It urged those funding and deploying such materials to “cease immediately.”