Introduction to the Controversy
The Presidency has dissociated itself from a series of political billboards promoting President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for the 2027 general elections, describing the adverts as premature. Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday. Onanuga expressed “dismay” over the increasing number of such billboards appearing in some cities, particularly in Abuja and Kano.
Details of the Billboards
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. Onanuga stated that while his principals appreciate the support of loyal supporters, neither President Tinubu nor Vice President Shettima supports any campaign that breaches the laws of the land.
Position of the Presidency
He called the campaign premature, noting that it could undermine the integrity of the electoral process and create unfair advantages. He also claimed that Tinubu and Shettima do not support any action that undermines the country’s 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,” Onanuga stated.
Commitment to Current Mandate
He added that Tinubu and Shettima remain fully committed to their current mandate of nation-building. According to him, this commitment is reflected in their focus on economic revitalization, human capital development, infrastructure renewal, social investment, and national security. Onanuga noted that Tinubu will inform Nigerians of his plans when INEC officially signals the start of the 2027 election process.
Warning to Campaign Funders
In the meantime, the presidential spokesperson warned individuals and groups funding this 2027 political campaign through the ongoing deployment of materials on billboards nationwide to cease immediately.
Conclusion
The Presidency’s stance on the premature campaign for the 2027 elections highlights the importance of adhering to electoral laws and respecting the institutions that govern the country’s democratic processes. By distancing themselves from these campaigns, President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima demonstrate their commitment to fair and lawful political practices.
FAQs
- Q: What is the Presidency’s stance on the 2027 election campaign billboards?
- A: The Presidency has dissociated itself from the billboards, describing them as premature.
- Q: Why does the Presidency consider these campaigns premature?
- A: These campaigns could undermine the integrity of the electoral process and create unfair advantages before the official start of the election process by INEC.
- Q: What is the focus of President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima at present?
- A: They are focused on their current mandate of nation-building, including economic revitalization, human capital development, infrastructure renewal, social investment, and national security.
- Q: Will President Tinubu announce his plans for the 2027 elections?
- A: Yes, but only after INEC officially signals the start of the 2027 election process.
