In a swift and unequivocal rebuttal to growing speculations, the Presidency has disclaimed the flurry of campaign billboards surfacing across the country promoting a 2027 ticket for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
A press statement released on Sunday by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, expressed the government's dismay over what it described as the “increasing number of billboards in some cities” projecting premature political campaigns. Notably, Abuja and Kano have witnessed a rise in billboards featuring images of President Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, with subtle but unmistakable campaign messages.
While acknowledging the unwavering support and enthusiasm of loyal supporters, the Presidency made it clear that both President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima remain law-abiding leaders who will not condone or endorse any act that contravenes Nigeria’s electoral laws. “The electoral law that guides the conduct of elections and political campaigns forbids any form of campaign for the 2027 general elections,” the statement read. “Premature campaigning can undermine the integrity of the electoral process and create unfair advantages.”
The statement emphasized that neither the President nor his deputy has sanctioned any individual or group to commence campaign activities on their behalf through any medium—whether outdoor, print, digital, radio, or television. It further stressed that such actions not only flout legal provisions but also distract from the administration’s current focus.
“President Tinubu and his deputy are fully committed to delivering the ongoing task of nation-building they have set for themselves,” Onanuga noted, highlighting core areas such as economic revitalization, infrastructural development, social investment, national security, and human capital growth.
The Presidency, therefore, issued a stern warning to those behind the unauthorized campaign materials, urging them to halt all such activities immediately. It also reiterated that any future declaration regarding 2027 will be made only after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announces the official timetable for elections.
Until then, the Presidency insists, the focus remains squarely on governance and service delivery.