STATEHOUSE PRESS STATEMENT

PRESIDENCY DISCLAIMS 2027 CAMPAIGN BILLBOARDS NATIONWIDE

The Presidency has observed, with dismay, the increasing number of billboards in some cities promoting the 2027 campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Worth noting is that some of these billboards with pictures of the President and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, emblazoned on them are springing up in Abuja and Kano in particular.

While President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima greatly appreciate their teeming and loyal supporters across the country for their enthusiasm and continuing support, the two leaders do not support any campaign that breaches the laws of the land.

The electoral law that guides the conduct of elections and political campaigns forbids any form of campaign for the 2027 general elections. Premature campaigning can undermine the integrity of the electoral process and create unfair advantages. As law-abiding leaders, President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima do not support any action that undermines our institutions and the electoral process.

Until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) sets the timetable for the 2027 elections, the President has not endorsed or authorised anyone or any group to mount a 2027 campaign for him through any media channel—be it Out-of-Home, print, digital, radio, or television.

Therefore, we urgently call on individuals and groups funding this 2027 political campaign through the ongoing deployment of materials on billboards nationwide to cease immediately.

President Tinubu and his deputy are fully committed to delivering the ongoing task of nation-building they have set for themselves. This commitment is evident in their focus on economic revitalisation, human capital development, infrastructural renewal, social investment, and national security.

When INEC signals that the processes for the 2027 elections can start, President Tinubu will duly inform Nigerians of his plans.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President,
(Information & Strategy)
April 13, 2025

The paramount king of the Hong in Adamawa State, the Tol Huba, Alheri Bulus Nyako has spoken of a resolve by his people to stand up against any further attacks by insurgents.

The royal father, fielding questions from newsmen who called at his palace over recent attacks by Boko Haram in communities around his chiefdom, said his people have decided that running from the terrorists is unhelpful.

Speaking with particular reference to an attack in 2023 involving abduction of 53 people, 40 of who are yet to return home, he said such would not be repeated.

The Tol Huba whose coronation as the paramount ruler of Hong was done in February this year, said attackers of whatever calling will no longer have it easy anywhere around his domain.

“We have sent signals to the insurgents that Hong LGA is no-go area now. When there was a threat of attack last month, the way we mobilised ourselves was unprecedented,” the king said.

Noting that he was working with the security agencies to ensure that his domain is safe, the king said, “We have resolved not to run away from insurgents any more. We will henceforth be standing up to fight back. Historically, we are warriors who never lost any battle. We are determined to live true to that reputation going forward.”

The Hong king’s assertions rhyme with the opinion of many security specialists who have maintained that Boko Haram have become ineffective in many parts of the North-East because people in such areas dared to mobilise and fight back.

The Jigawa State government has responded to recent criticisms by opposition parties regarding its Citizens’ Engagement Programme, designed to foster direct communication between the government and its people.

Speaking during an interview with journalists at the Citizens’ Engagement Programme held in Birniwa Local Government Area, the Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, Sagir Musa Ahmed, addressed the concerns raised by the opposition.

Governor Umar Namadi launched the initiative, locally known as “Gwamnati da Jama’a”, to provide residents across the 27 local government areas an opportunity to voice their needs and grievances directly to government officials.

The programme also allows the government to share information on its ongoing projects and initiatives aimed at improving citizens’ lives.

However, opposition parties, including the NNPP and PDP, have criticized the initiative.

They argued that the programme has deviated from its intended purpose and that citizens, regardless of political affiliation, are not being given adequate opportunity to express their views.

In response, Sagir said the state government is not seeking validation from opposition parties but is focused on addressing the genuine needs and aspirations of the people.

“The government isn’t expecting praises from the opposition. What matters most to us is meeting the expectations of our citizens,” he stated.

He explained that the programme ensures broad representation, including delegates from every political ward, civil society organizations, NURTW, NATO, farmers’ groups, and other development associations within each local government.

“I don’t think it’s necessary to dwell on what the oppositions are saying. In anything you do, there will always be critics. But what’s important is that, for the first time in Jigawa’s history, the Governor, along with members of the executive, judiciary, and legislature, are coming together to engage directly with the people and seek their input,” he added.

Sagir further emphasized that the government is committed to serving the people of Jigawa State.

“We are focused on the good people of the state, and we’re pleased to see that they are happy and satisfied with what the government is doing. Everyone is entitled to their opinion — this is a democracy.”