The re-election campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 has kicked off in Northern Nigeria, causing a stir in the political arena. Despite the official campaign period not yet starting, key leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have thrown their weight behind Tinubu’s bid for a second term, sparking both enthusiasm and controversy.
Early Campaign Push
Less than two years into Tinubu’s presidency, influential figures within the APC, such as National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and SGF George Akume, have already begun advocating for his re-election. Ganduje, in a recent gathering with APC support groups in Abuja, called on politicians from the North to defer their presidential aspirations until 2031 to allow Tinubu to complete his second term. Similarly, Akume, speaking on a TVC program, urged prominent northerners like Atiku Abubakar to refrain from seeking the presidency in 2027.
Campaign activities have started gaining momentum in various states, with Kaduna, Kebbi, and Kwara witnessing the early launch of re-election billboards and rallies in support of Tinubu. However, this premature campaigning has drawn criticism from opposition parties and analysts who argue that it violates electoral laws and democratic principles.
Support and Endorsements
In a recent campaign launch in Kebbi State, key APC leaders, including Senator Atiku Bagudu and Governor Nasir Idris, voiced their support for Tinubu’s re-election bid. Bagudu praised Tinubu’s administration for its contributions to Nigeria’s development, emphasizing the need for continuity. The event, themed “We Stand with Tinubu and Kauran Gwandu,” attracted a large turnout, with attendees displaying banners and posters in solidarity.
Following the Kebbi rally, similar endorsements poured in from Kaduna and Kwara states, with stakeholders expressing confidence in both Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani. The stakeholders in Kaduna passed a vote of confidence on the leaders, affirming their exemplary leadership and people-centric policies.
In response to these early campaigns, Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, criticized the administration, accusing it of weaponizing poverty and focusing more on politics than governance. He emphasized the need for a shift in priorities towards effective governance rather than premature campaigning.
Legal and Political Ramifications
Analysts and legal experts have condemned the early campaign activities, citing violations of the Electoral Act and constitutional provisions. Jackson Lekan Ojo labeled the campaigns as illegal, reflecting a blatant disregard for established laws. He highlighted the importance of adherence to electoral regulations and warned against the negative implications of such actions on governance and democracy.
Professor Abdulrauf Ambali echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for strict enforcement of electoral laws to prevent further destabilization within the polity. He urged compliance with officially sanctioned campaign timelines to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.
Despite the criticisms, some experts view the early campaigns as a strategic move to secure power and influence. Hassan Seyid Cisse noted the calculated nature of the administration’s actions, citing the need for proactive planning in the political landscape. However, he cautioned against the diversion of resources towards an election that is still years away, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing governance over premature campaigning.
As the debate over Tinubu’s re-election gains momentum, the Presidency has remained tight-lipped on the matter, with key officials unavailable for comment. The silence from the government raises questions about its stance on the early campaign activities and the implications for Nigeria’s political landscape in the coming years.
