Noticeably, some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have begun campaigning for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Although the party and the president have not officially launched the campaign, top APC figures, including National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, have openly supported Tinubu’s bid for a second term.
Speaking at the APC headquarters in Abuja while addressing support groups, Ganduje advised politicians from the North planning to run for president in 2027 to wait until 2031. He made it clear that Tinubu should be allowed to complete two terms.
Similarly, during a TVC interview, Akume urged former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Atiku Abubakar, along with other northern politicians, to step aside in 2027.
Beyond statements from political leaders, early campaign activities have been spotted in Kaduna, Kebbi, and Kwara states, with billboards promoting Tinubu’s re-election also appearing in parts of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The emergence of these early campaigns has sparked controversy, with opposition parties and political analysts arguing that it violates the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Legal experts say the early campaign could undermine democracy and electoral discipline. According to Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022:
“For the purpose of this Act, the period of campaigning in public by every political party shall commence 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.”
Subsection 2 further states that any political party that campaigns outside the allowed period—whether through media advertisements or other means—commits an offence and could be fined up to N500,000.
Similarly, Section 95(1) mandates that “A candidate and his or her party shall campaign for the elections in accordance with such rules and regulations as may be determined by the Commission.”
Despite these legal concerns, APC recently held a major rally in Kebbi State to promote President Tinubu and Governor Nasir Idris ahead of the 2027 elections.
The rally, which took place at the Birnin Kebbi Township Stadium, saw the participation of prominent figures such as the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu; Governor Nasir Idris; House of Representatives member and Tinubu ally, James Abiodun Faleke; and Minister of State for Education, Yusuf Tanko Sununu.
Following the Kebbi rally, other APC leaders, including Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin, National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru, and Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari, promoted Tinubu’s re-election during an empowerment programme in Ilorin, Kwara State.
In Kaduna State, APC stakeholders also met to pass a vote of confidence on President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani, praising their leadership and policies. This followed a similar endorsement from 255 local councillors in the state.
Additionally, at the weekend, a reception hosted by Ganduje and Senator Barau Jibrin saw members of Atiku Abubakar’s support groups from 19 northern states defect to APC. The defectors pledged to
“work for the continuation of Tinubu’s administration in 2027.”
This is not the first time a sitting president’s supporters have started early campaigns.
During President Muhammadu Buhari’s first term, similar activities took place. In September 2017, APC supporters began campaigning for his 2019 re-election. Likewise, in August 2017, Buhari’s allies launched a South-West campaign office in Ibadan before the official election season.
Similarly, during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure, the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) held zonal rallies urging him to seek re-election long before formal campaigns began.
