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By Myke Agunwa
The Presidency has dissociated President Bola Tinubu from the 2027 campaign billboards springing up in different parts of Abuja and Kano, showing the image of the President and his wife.
Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga in a statement on Sunday said that while Tinubu appreciates Nigerians for appreciating his efforts at repositioning the country, he does not want to breach any part of the Electoral Act which forbids any form of campaign untill the approved time.
He therefore enjoined those behind the bill boards and any form of campaign in signal to desist forthwith.
He told the overzealous supporters that when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) signals the processes for the 2027 elections,, President Tinubu will duly inform Nigerians of his plans.
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 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”
Onanuga reassured that President Tinubu and his deputy are fully committed to delivering the ongoing task of nation-building they have set for themselves. He said that the commitment is evident in their focus on economic revitalisation, human capital development, infrastructural renewal, social investment, and national security.