Less than two years into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, political maneuvering for the 2027 presidential election has already begun, with top members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) openly advocating for his second term.
Though official campaigns are yet to be declared, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume have made public statements supporting Tinubu’s re-election bid. Ganduje recently advised northern politicians eyeing the presidency to wait until 2031, while Akume urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other northern leaders to forgo any aspirations for the 2027 race.
Tinubu 2027 Billboards Emerge as Support Groups Mobilize
Across several states, pro-Tinubu campaigns are gaining momentum. Billboards promoting his second-term bid have appeared in Abuja, and rallies have been held in Kaduna, Kebbi, and Kwara states, raising concerns over the legality of these early political activities.
In Kebbi, a recent mega rally saw key APC figures, including Governor Nasir Idris and former Governor Atiku Bagudu, endorsing Tinubu’s leadership while pledging continued support. Similarly, in Kwara, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and other party leaders used a public event to promote the president’s re-election.
Kaduna APC stakeholders also held a meeting endorsing Tinubu for a second term, while defectors from Atiku Abubakar’s support groups were welcomed into the APC in Kano, vowing to campaign for Tinubu’s continued leadership.
Opposition, Analysts Condemn Premature Campaigning
Legal experts and political analysts have criticized these activities as a violation of the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution.
The Electoral Act 2022 explicitly prohibits campaigns more than 150 days before an election, with penalties for early electioneering. Critics argue that these premature campaigns undermine the rule of law and electoral integrity.
Reacting to the development, Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, dismissed claims that any of his principal’s support groups had defected to APC, alleging that the ruling party was exploiting poverty and economic hardship for political gain.
PDP NEC member Timothy Osadolor warned that the 2027 elections could become a “charade” if such impunity continues, emphasizing that previous administrations had respected electoral timelines. Political analyst Jackson Lekan Ojo also condemned the early campaigns as illegal, calling them a desperate attempt by the ruling party to retain power.
Presidency Silent Amid Growing Backlash
Despite the widespread controversy, the Presidency has remained silent. Efforts to get a reaction from presidential aides, including Bayo Onanuga and Daniel Bwala, were unsuccessful as they did not respond to calls or messages.
As the 2027 election remains years away, the growing political tension surrounding Tinubu’s potential re-election bid signals an intense battle ahead, one that could test the strength of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.