Early campaigning is a distraction that must stop

With President Bola Ahmed Tinubu barely two years into his term, the premature obsession with the 2027 elections is a troubling distraction. It undermines governance, violates electoral laws, and reflects a misplaced sense of political urgency that Nigeria cannot afford. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), empowered by the Electoral Act 2022, stipulates clear rules […]

With President Bola Ahmed Tinubu barely two years into his term, the premature obsession with the 2027 elections is a troubling distraction. It undermines governance, violates electoral laws, and reflects a misplaced sense of political urgency that Nigeria cannot afford.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), empowered by the Electoral Act 2022, stipulates clear rules for political campaigns. Public campaigning is legally allowed only within 150 days before the election day, while electioneering activities can commence only after INEC formally issues a notice—at least 365 days prior to the election. Neither condition has been met. Yet, the political space is already saturated with activities that mimic open campaigns.

From both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties, political actors are engaging in activities that flout the spirit—if not the letter—of the law. Aspirants and their supporters justify their actions by claiming they are merely consulting stakeholders or expressing interest, which is not explicitly prohibited. However, the blurred lines between consultation and outright campaigning have become a major loophole, exploited at the expense of electoral integrity.

What is particularly alarming is the boldness with which some actors ignore clear prohibitions. Billboards bearing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s image and slogans for the 2027 elections now line major roads in Abuja, including the busy Airport Road. These billboards, reportedly sponsored by ex-militant leader Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), openly call for mobilisation in favour of Tinubu’s re-election.

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Other such displays have appeared in Kano and other cities, featuring both the president and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, complete with re-election messaging.

To its credit, the presidency issued a statement on April 13 disowning these billboards and warning that premature campaigning violates the Electoral Act. It also cautioned that such acts could create unfair advantages and undermine the credibility of the electoral process. However, the billboards remain, suggesting either a lack of political will or institutional impotence in enforcing the law.

This paper had earlier reported that senior APC figures have been actively promoting President Tinubu’s second term. Among them is APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, who recently advised Northern politicians to shelve any presidential ambitions until 2031, effectively endorsing Tinubu’s re-election bid. Ganduje made the comment while hosting APC support groups at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. Similarly, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has publicly backed a second term for the president.

Beyond Abuja, such early campaign activities have also surfaced in Kaduna, Kebbi and Kwara states, drawing sharp criticism from opposition parties, civil society groups and legal experts. Many argue that these actions constitute a breach of both the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution, undermining democratic norms, the rule of law and electoral discipline.

Also, the APC’s North West leaders threw caution to the wind by openly endorsing President Tinubu for a second term after a meeting in Kaduna.

And most recently, but shockingly, President Tinubu on Thursday, May 22, received the endorsement of 22 governors of the APC and the leadership of the National Assembly as the sole presidential candidate of the party in the 2027 presidential elections.

The endorsement took place at a so-called APC National Summit, held at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja, with the full presence of high-ranking party stakeholders from across the 36 states. Millions of Nigerians are still struggling to process the motivation behind that gathering.

This premature declaration has fuelled a growing frenzy within the political class, with both opposition figures and members of the president’s party now locked in a contest of endorsements—each seemingly more eager than the last to pledge allegiance ahead of 2027.

INEC, for its part, has repeatedly cautioned political actors against pre-campaign activities, stressing that they erode the level playing field required for credible elections. However, the commission continues to struggle with enforcement. The ambiguous distinction between consultation and campaigning, combined with political impunity, weak sanctions and limited backing from security agencies, has rendered its warnings largely ineffective.

We at Daily Trust believe these premature political manoeuvres are not only unlawful but also damaging to the country’s development priorities. At a time when Nigeria faces soaring inflation, widespread insecurity, and economic hardship, politicians should focus on delivering results, not contending for 2027.

We urge President Tinubu to take a firm stand. Leadership by example begins with him. If he is truly committed to the rule of law and democratic values, he must call his supporters and party members to order. The APC, as the ruling party, bears the responsibility of setting the tone for lawful political conduct.

More than ever, Nigerians are in desperate need of focused leadership. The urgency of now is not about the next election but about securing lives, improving livelihoods, and restoring public trust in governance. Politicians must recognise that the people are watching—and that legitimacy is earned through service, not through premature self-promotion.