Questions Over Tinubu’s 2027 Campaign Posters by Islie: 11:25am
By Our Reporters
“What can be presumed is that the presidency either approves of it or is deliberately turning a blind eye. It’s difficult to convince someone who claims not to see what is clearly visible. Former President Jonathan once quoted an Indian proverb that it’s easy to wake someone who is asleep but not someone pretending to be asleep. That’s the dilemma we face now”.
“Legally, the president is not in violation of the Electoral Act because there’s no proof he authorised or endorsed the posters. He has not held any campaign rally. It’s even possible that political opponents are behind the posters to get at him. The law only prohibits official campaigning before INEC lifts the ban, which he has not done”.
Campaign posters and billboards promoting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 have continued to surface across Abuja, despite the fact that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to release a timetable or lift the ban on political campaigns.
The development comes in spite of President Tinubu’s earlier warning to those behind the posters and billboards to desist, saying the actions violate Nigeria’s electoral laws.
The early campaigning—which included rallies held earlier in the year in some northern states and endorsements by party leaders—alongside the campaign posters and billboards, has drawn criticism from the opposition and political analysts. They allege that the actions breach the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Legal experts and political commentators have warned that such premature activities undermine democracy, the rule of law and electoral discipline.
The billboards, prominently displayed at strategic locations in Abuja, feature Tinubu alongside inscriptions promoting him for re-election in 2027. One major billboard was reportedly sponsored by the Grassroots Mobilisation Group, which campaigned actively for Tinubu during the 2023 elections. Others were said to have been sponsored by Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), who is calling for mass mobilisation for Tinubu’s re-election, especially along Airport Road in Abuja.
While President Tinubu has not formally declared his intention to contest in 2027, he has already been endorsed as the sole candidate for the election by his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).