2027 Election At Risk OF Manipulation – Atiku, PDP Sound Alarm As Tinubu Kicks Off Re-election Bid”

Although neither the party nor the president has officially launched a campaign, prominent APC leaders, including National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, have publicly backed a second term for Tinubu.

During a recent meeting with APC support groups at the party’s headquarters in Abuja, Ganduje urged northern politicians eyeing the presidency in 2027 to hold off their ambitions until 2031, after Tinubu’s expected second term. Likewise, Akume, in a TVC interview, advised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other northern politicians against contesting in the next election.

Signs of an early campaign have emerged in several states, including Kaduna, Kebbi, and Kwara, with re-election billboards for Tinubu surfacing in multiple locations across Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

This has drawn criticism from opposition parties and political analysts, who argue that such moves violate the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Legal experts warn that premature campaigning undermines democratic values, electoral integrity, and political discipline.

Legal Implications of Early Campaigning

According to Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, public campaigns by political parties should commence 150 days before the election and end 24 hours before polling day.

Furthermore, Section 94(2) imposes penalties for unauthorized political advertisements or endorsements before the designated campaign period. Similarly, Section 95(1) mandates candidates and their parties to comply with regulations set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

APC’s Re-election Drive: Campaign Rally in Kebbi, Endorsements in Kaduna, Kwara

Last month, the APC held a campaign rally in Kebbi State to promote Tinubu’s re-election bid and support Governor Nasir Idris ahead of 2027.

The event, held at the Birnin Kebbi Township Stadium, was attended by Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, Governor Idris, House of Representatives member James Abiodun Faleke, Minister of State for Education Yusuf Tanko Sununu, and other APC stakeholders.