The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have clashed over what the PDP described as premature campaigns ahead of the 2027 presidential elections.

Daily Trust reports that several political groups, including some opposition governors, have already endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term.

Four months ago, during a summit in Abuja, APC governors, members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), and National Assembly lawmakers adopted Tinubu as the sole candidate of the party for 2027.

The PDP has condemned these moves, insisting that early endorsements amount to a distraction from governance and a violation of electoral guidelines.

According to the opposition party, the APC should focus on addressing pressing economic and security challenges instead of “jump-starting” campaigns.

In its response, the APC dismissed the PDP’s criticism as “baseless,” arguing that the endorsements reflect confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership.

The ruling party maintained that the president’s achievements in the past year justify the support he has been receiving across political divides.

Political analysts say the exchanges signal an intensifying rivalry between both parties as the countdown to 2027 gradually begins, despite the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not officially declaring the campaign season open.