The Presidency has distanced itself from the growing wave of campaign billboards bearing the images of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, which have emerged in cities like Abuja and Kano, warning that such actions contravene Nigeria’s electoral laws.
In a firm statement issued on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga, declared the Presidency rejects the unapproved campaign materials supporting a 2027 presidential run, clarifying that neither the President nor the Vice President authorized them.
The statement read, “We have observed, with dismay, the increasing number of billboards in some cities promoting the 2027 campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima,” While expressing gratitude to supporters for their enthusiasm, the Presidency made it clear that neither Tinubu nor Shettima endorses any political activity that violates legal frameworks governing electioneering.
“The electoral law that guides the conduct of elections and political campaigns forbids any form of campaign for the 2027 general elections,” it said. “Premature campaigning can undermine the integrity of the electoral process and create unfair advantages.”
The Presidency further stressed that no individual or group has been given the go-ahead to begin campaigning on behalf of the President. “Until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) sets the timetable for the 2027 elections, the President has not endorsed or authorised anyone or any group to mount a 2027 campaign for him through any media channel—be it Out-of-Home, print, digital, radio, or television.”
Calling the billboard campaigns “unlawful,” the statement urged sponsors to desist immediately: “We urgently call on individuals and groups funding this 2027 political campaign through the ongoing deployment of materials on billboards nationwide to cease immediately.”
According to the Presidency, Tinubu and Shettima remain focused on their current responsibilities, especially in the areas of economic reform, infrastructure, security, and social investment.
The statement acknowledged that “President Tinubu and his deputy are fully committed to delivering the ongoing task of nation-building they have set for themselves,” it noted.
The statement concluded with a reassurance that when the time is right, the President will inform Nigerians of his future political plans in line with INEC’s directives.
