…Says, it is a breach of electoral laws
The Presidency has placed a disclaimer on the political billboards promoting 2027 campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima; saying hoisting of the campaign billboards does not enjoy the support of the President or his Vice President.
The statement insisted that such move is against the Nigerian electoral laws and should be stopped forthwith.
In a statement by the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency noted that some of the billboards adorned with the photographs of President Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu are also are springing up in Abuja and Kano among other cities in Nigeria.
“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 Presidency said.
Noting that erecting campaign billboards outside the stipulated period as enshrined in the electoral laws undermine the integrity of the electoral process and creates unfair advantages
“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,” the statement added.
The statement which urged those behind the hoisting of the campaign billboards or circulation of campaign materials directly or on Media channels to cease doing so, however, said they would be duly informed on the campaign processes whenever INEC allowed on the commencement of 2027 electoral processes.
“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,” the statement appealed.
