Early Campaigning for Tinubu’s 2027 Re-Election Sparks Legal Concerns

APC Leaders Endorse Second Term Amidst Premature Campaign Controversy

Campaigning for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 has already begun within the All Progressives Congress (APC), despite the absence of an official announcement from the party.

APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume have openly backed Tinubu’s bid for a second term, urging northern politicians to wait until 2031 before contesting the presidency.

“Tinubu should be allowed to complete two terms,” Ganduje stated at the APC headquarters in Abuja, advising northern politicians eyeing the presidency to exercise patience.

Similarly, Akume urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other northern leaders to step aside in 2027, reinforcing the party’s commitment to Tinubu’s continued leadership.

Constitutional Amendment to Regulate Lawmaker Suspensions

Billboards and Rallies Signal Early Political Mobilization

Although official campaigns have not yet commenced, political billboards promoting Tinubu’s re-election have surfaced in Kaduna, Kebbi, and Kwara States.

A major rally in Kebbi State witnessed prominent APC figures—including Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Atiku Bagudu and Governor Nasir Idris—mobilizing support for Tinubu, further fueling speculations of an early campaign strategy.

In Kaduna State, APC stakeholders passed a vote of confidence on Tinubu, while several defectors from Atiku Abubakar’s camp pledged allegiance to the ruling party, strengthening Tinubu’s support base in the region.

Legal Experts Warn Against Premature 2027 Campaigning

The early campaign activities have triggered legal concerns, as critics argue they violate Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which restricts public campaigning to 150 days before the election.

“Any political party that campaigns outside the allowed period commits an offence,” legal analysts warned, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to election laws.

Despite the controversy, this trend is not new, as similar early campaign efforts were observed during the administrations of former Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan.

However, the legal implications of these premature campaign activities remain a subject of heated debate, with some arguing that endorsements and political rallies do not necessarily constitute official campaigning.

As 2027 approaches, the political landscape continues to heat up, raising questions about the legality and fairness of early political mobilization within the APC.