Early Campaigns for Tinubu’s Re-election Spark Legal and Political Backlash
Abuja, Nigeria – As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration marks less than two years in office, key figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have ignited controversy by openly advocating for his re-election bid in 2027. This premature push, which includes public statements from top party officials and the appearance of campaign materials, has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, legal experts, and political analysts, who argue it violates Nigeria’s electoral laws and undermines democratic norms.
The developments come amid claims that neither the APC nor President Tinubu has officially launched a re-election campaign. However, influential party leaders have taken to public platforms to rally support for the president’s second term. At the forefront is Abdullahi Ganduje, the APC National Chairman, who recently addressed support groups at the party’s headquarters in Abuja. Ganduje explicitly cautioned politicians from Nigeria’s northern region, who may be eyeing the presidency in 2027, to postpone their ambitions until 2031. “Let us allow President Tinubu to complete his second term,” Ganduje stated, emphasizing the need for stability and continuity in governance.
Echoing this sentiment, George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), made similar remarks during an appearance on a TVC programme. Akume urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who ran as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, and other northern aspirants to refrain from contesting the presidency in 2027. “The seat is not vacant yet,” Akume asserted, framing the call as a matter of national unity and strategic political timing.
On the ground, signs of organized campaigning have emerged across several states. In Kaduna, Kebbi, and Kwara, local APC supporters have reportedly initiated re-election drives, including rallies and public endorsements. Additionally, billboards featuring President Tinubu’s image and slogans promoting his second term have been spotted in various locations in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). These activities, while grassroots in nature, have fueled speculation about a coordinated effort within the party to build momentum early.
The backlash has been swift and multifaceted. Opposition parties, including the PDP and the Labour Party, have condemned the moves as a blatant disregard for electoral regulations. In a statement, PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba accused the APC of “manipulating the democratic process” and called for investigations by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). “This is a clear violation of the Electoral Act, which prohibits campaigns before the designated period,” Ologunagba said, referencing Section 94 of the Act that outlines timelines for electioneering.
Legal experts have echoed these concerns, pointing to potential breaches of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which emphasizes the rule of law and fair electoral practices. Professor Yemi Osinbajo, a constitutional law scholar at the University of Lagos, argued in an interview that such early campaigning could “erode public trust in the electoral system.” He explained that the Electoral Act stipulates that formal campaigns for presidential elections should not begin until at least 150 days before the election date, typically set for the first quarter of the election year. “Premature actions like this not only flout the law but also create an uneven playing field, stifling opposition and discouraging healthy democratic competition,” Osinbajo added.
Political analysts have further dissected the implications, suggesting that the APC’s strategy may be an attempt to consolidate power in a politically fragmented landscape. Dr. Aisha Bello, a senior researcher at the Centre for Democracy and Development, noted that with Nigeria’s history of electoral controversies, this could exacerbate divisions along regional and ethnic lines. “By discouraging northern candidates so early, the APC risks alienating key voter blocs, potentially leading to heightened tensions in the lead-up to 2027,” she warned.
Despite the criticisms, APC loyalists defend the actions as expressions of genuine support rather than formal campaigns. In a brief response, an APC spokesperson described the statements and activities as “spontaneous enthusiasm” for the president’s achievements, such as economic reforms and infrastructure projects. However, this defense has done little to quell the growing debate, with some calling for sanctions against the involved officials.
As Nigeria approaches the midpoint of Tinubu’s first term, the early re-election buzz highlights the high stakes of the 2027 polls. With economic challenges and security issues dominating the national agenda, the focus on presidential succession could overshadow governance priorities. Election watchdogs, including INEC, have yet to issue an official statement, but observers anticipate closer scrutiny of political activities in the coming months to ensure compliance with legal frameworks.
In the end, this episode serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between political ambition and democratic integrity in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape. Whether these early maneuvers will bolster Tinubu’s prospects or backfire remains to be seen, but they have undeniably set the stage for a contentious election cycle ahead.
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