Tinubu Criticized for Early Re-Election Campaign Amid Emergency

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for allegedly launching his 2027 re‑election campaign while Nigeria remains under a state of emergency. The party called the move “insensitive,” arguing that it undermines the purpose of the emergency declaration.

In a statement, ADC National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi denounced the distribution of branded vehicles to political agents across the country, noting that ordinary citizens continue to suffer from kidnappings and escalating violence. He accused President Tinubu of prioritising his re‑election bid over addressing the nation’s worsening security crises.

By launching his campaign under the banner “Renewed Hope Ambassadors,” the ADC argued that the president is behaving more like a candidate focused on re‑election than a leader governing a nation under emergency rule. The party further alleged that his actions violate the Electoral Act and the INEC timetable, since the official campaign period for the 2027 elections has not yet begun.

Nigeria’s declared state of emergency stems from deteriorating insecurity, with entire communities under siege and the armed forces stretched thin. The ADC expressed surprise that the president is concentrating on re‑election while citizens are being kidnapped, displaced and killed. It suggested that the emergency declaration is a mere gimmick, given the president’s apparent priority on his political ambitions.

The ADC called on President Tinubu to return to governance, warning that his personal ambition may be hindering Nigeria’s recovery. It also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to act to protect the integrity of the electoral process, citing violations of electoral rules. As the situation in Nigeria continues to deteriorate, the ADC’s criticism underscores the need for leadership to place the country’s security and well‑being above political ambitions, a stance that could have significant implications for the upcoming elections and the future of Nigeria’s democracy.