The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for allegedly launching his 2027 re-election campaign while Nigeria remains under a declared state of emergency due to escalating insecurity.

The party expressed shock over reports that President Tinubu has distributed fleets of Hilux trucks, Land Cruisers, and Hummer buses to political agents nationwide — actions the ADC says amount to an early campaign kickoff.

The statement read: “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is deeply appalled by reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has distributed fleets of Hilux trucks, Land Cruisers, and Hummer buses to political agents across the country, thereby effectively kick-starting his 2027 re-election bid.”

The party condemned the move as insensitive and misplaced, given the deteriorating security situation across the country. “Coming at a time when Nigeria remains under a declared state of emergency due to worsening insecurity, this action shows that the President’s declaration was a mere gimmick for headlines and means nothing to a President whose priority is re-election.”

The ADC further accused the President of prioritising politics over the safety of citizens, noting that communities remain vulnerable to attacks, kidnappings, and displacement.

“While ordinary citizens are being kidnapped, displaced, and killed, the President is handing out branded vehicles and building a partisan mobilisation structure,” the statement continued.

According to the party, President Tinubu’s actions show a troubling disconnect from the realities on the ground: “Entire communities are under siege, our armed forces are stretched thin, yet the ruling party is preparing for rallies. At a time when children are being kidnapped and countless communities attacked, the President is focused on re-election, seeking to continue presiding over a nation that has become more fractured and dangerous than he found it.”

The ADC also reminded the President that campaigns have not officially begun. “We also remind the President that, according to INEC, the official campaign period for the 2027 elections has not yet begun. These actions clearly violate electoral rules, and we expect INEC to act to protect the integrity of the process.”

The presidency has yet to officially respond to the allegations.