*Calls on sponsors to hold action until INEC rings bell
*As President’s campaign posters flood Jigawa, others
By Obaike Odihue, in Abuja
The Presidency on Sunday disclaimed campaign billboards in some major cities promoting the 2027 campaign for President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Presidency spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Sunday said while President Tinubu and his Vice, Shettima appreciated the enthusiasm of their supporters, they would not be party to any activities that breach the laws of the land.
Accordingly, the presidency urged promoters doing the premature campaign to stop forthwith until the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, rings the bell.
The statement reads: “The Presidency has 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.
“Worth noting is that some of these billboards with pictures of the President and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, emblazoned on them are springing up in Abuja and Kano in particular.
“While President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima greatly appreciate their teeming and loyal supporters across the country for their enthusiasm and continuing support, the two leaders do not support any campaign that breaches the laws of the land.
“The electoral law that guides the conduct of elections and political campaigns forbids any form of campaign for the 2027 general elections. 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.
“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.
“Therefore, we urgently call on individuals and groups funding this 2027 political campaign through the ongoing deployment of materials on billboards nationwide to cease immediately.
“President Tinubu and his deputy are fully committed to delivering the ongoing task of nation-building they have set for themselves. This commitment is evident in their focus on economic revitalisation, human capital development, infrastructural renewal, social investment, and national security.
“When INEC signals that the processes for the 2027 elections can start, President Tinubu will duly inform Nigerians of his plans.”
Meanwhile, barely two years to the 2027 general election, the residents of Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State, as well as other major cities and roads across the state, woke up on Sunday to find President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term campaign posters flooding their areas.
The residents were greeted by dozens of giant billboards and thousands of mini-posters erected in various strategic locations.
In Dutse, the billboards displayed posters featuring President Tinubu alongside the state governor, Malam Umar Namadi, advocating for continuity in power.
“Tinubu Continuity 2027″ was the common message on all the posters, suggesting that either Tinubu’s support groups, the All Progressives Congress (APC), or government agents were behind the campaign.
One resident of Dutse, Comrade Rufai Dutse, described the development as “Democracy in Action,” stating that it reflects the spirit of competition and the right to choice and association guaranteed by a democratic system.
“We have seen APC supporters promoting their candidate. Now, we are waiting for other parties to present theirs’ so that people can make their rightful choice,” Rufai said.
The campaign posters appeared just as the incumbent leaders are about to mark their second year in office, while opposition parties intensify their own campaigns to unseat them.
