ACF logo and Tinubu
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) for launching what it called premature campaign activities ahead of the 2027 elections, labelling the move as a sign of “desperation” and a “distraction” from governance.
Speaking on Channels Television today, ACF spokesperson Tukur Mohammed-Baba condemned the proliferation of campaign posters of President Bola Tinubu in cities like Abuja and Lagos, urging the ruling party to prioritise performance over propaganda.
“It’s disappointing. We thought there were more pressing issues than campaign posters all over. They have sprung up in the streets, on billboards, and everywhere, but we think there are more pressing issues.
“What will sell any party is not posters; it will be their performance in office or, if they are coming for the first time, their promises and how people assess them,” he said.
Mohammed-Baba criticised the APC for shifting focus from governance to politicking.
“It shows a party desperate for propaganda, for communication, so that the issue at hand is confused with what needs to be done,” he said.
“We’ve taken our eyes off governance, off performance, and we are now putting it under the intentions to campaign, and it’s very unfortunate.”
The ACF’s criticism comes after the emergence of posters promoting President Tinubu’s re-election. This sparked debate about the appropriateness of such activities, given that the official campaign season is yet to begin and it’s just two years into the current administration in office.
‘Don’t Play With Nigeria’s Intelligence’
Mohammed-Baba dismissed claims by APC supporters that the posters were the work of independent actors, asserting that the scale and coordination of the materials indicate a deliberate campaign.
“In general, I think the party should not try to play with the intelligence of the electorate by saying, ‘Oh, we have not started the campaign; these are done by people on their own.’
“It’s not true; it doesn’t make sense. There is a campaign going on, and it’s very serious,” he stated.
Addressing the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in regulating such activities, Mohammed-Baba acknowledged the challenges posed by the informal nature of the campaigns.
“There is definitely a role for the electoral commission, but of course, it depends on how the campaign is being mounted.
“It’s easy to deny that ‘now we have not formally declared a campaign; we just talk about statements of intention, declaration of support by supporters,’ and so on. But let’s face it, it is a campaign in full swing,” he said.
The ACF’s remarks come amid growing support within the APC for Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, with endorsements from party caucuses and the Progressive Governors’ Forum and others in recent weeks.
In May, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term.
Akpabio led a delegation of National Assembly leadership to back Tinubu for the 2027 general elections at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Summit and argued that if Tinubu had not done well in office within the last two years, the lawmakers would have given him a notice of impeachment.
However, Mohammed-Baba clarified that the ACF has not endorsed any candidate, debunking reports suggesting otherwise.
“The ACF has not endorsed anybody,” he stated, addressing speculations about the forum’s position.
