The Presidency has directed the arrowheads of those campaigning for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027 to stop the infamous action on the grounds that it is illegal as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to release the timetable for the general elections.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, who disclosed this in a statement made available to TheIdeal News on Sunday, also distanced the Presidency from the campaign posters nationwide
According to Onanuga, the Presidency has observed, with dismay, the increasing number of billboards in some cities promoting the 2027 campaign for President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The presidential spokesman also stated that it is regrettable that some of the billboards with pictures of the President and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, emblazoned on them are springing up in Abuja and Kano in particular.
But Onanuga has disclosed that Tinubu and Shettima never support any premature campaign that breaches the laws of the land and the regulations by the electoral body.
The statement reads in part, “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.”
Calling on the promoters of the 2027 campaign to desist from the act, the Presidency said, “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.”
Onanuga added that when INEC signals that the processes for the 2027 elections can start, President Tinubu will duly inform Nigerians of his plans.