Tinubu, Shettima Distance Selves From 2027 Campaign Billboards, Call For Immediate Removal
Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that amid increase in number of posters campaigning for the current administration, the Presidency has distanced itself from billboards promoting the 2027 presidential campaign of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, describing them as unauthorized and unlawful act.
OTN News further reports that the order which was given in a statement issued on Saturday, April 13, by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said that the Presidency expressed dismay over the increasing number of 2027 campaign materials seen in major cities like Abuja and Kano.
OTN News observes that some of the billboards reportedly feature images of the President alongside his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, campaigning for re-election into office for the second time.
OTN News further reports that the statement while acknowledging the passion and loyalty of supporters nationwide, warned that premature campaigns violate Nigeria’s electoral laws.
“President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima greatly appreciate their teeming and loyal supporters across the country for their enthusiasm and continuing support,” Onanuga said, adding, “However, the two leaders do not support any campaign that breaches the laws of the land.”
Stressing on the electoral law, he added that the current electoral law prohibits any form of campaigning ahead of the official timetable set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He explained, “Premature campaigning can undermine the integrity of the electoral process and create unfair advantages. As law-abiding leaders, President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima do not support any action that undermines our institutions and the electoral process."
Onanuga noted that neither the President nor the Vice President has authorized any person or group to initiate a 2027 campaign on their behalf through any platform, be it billboards, print, radio, television, or online media.
“We urgently call on individuals and groups funding this 2027 political campaign through the ongoing deployment of materials on billboards nationwide to cease immediately,” the statement read.
Onanuga, however, emphasized that Tinubu and Shettima remain focused on their core agenda of national development, stating, “President Tinubu and his deputy are fully committed to delivering the ongoing task of nation-building… evident in their focus on economic revitalisation, human capital development, infrastructural renewal, social investment, and national security.”
Subsequently, the statement concluded by reassuring Nigerians that when INEC announces the start of the 2027 electoral process, the President will publicly declare his intentions in accordance with the law.
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