Lula Criticizes TSE's Removal of 'Exército do Lula' WhatsApp Channel as Biased Interference

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has publicly criticized a recent ruling by Kássio Nunes Marques, president of the Superior Electoral Court (TSE), which ordered the removal of the pro-Lula WhatsApp channel 'Exército do Lula.' The channel, managed by federal deputy André Janones, boasts around 3 million followers and delivers content supporting Lula's campaign. Nunes Marques justified the ruling by alleging the channel disseminated false information under a centralized command, emphasizing the need to uphold electoral integrity against misinformation.

Lula condemned the decision as an example of biased and unfair targeting against his candidacy. He stated, “I find it absurd. I think our lawyers will have to file a request explaining the criteria, because for some days now I have noticed many tendentious decisions against our candidacy.” These remarks came before a public event with his supporters in São Paulo's Avenida Paulista.

Despite the court's justification, an independent review by Estadão found no evidence of false information being spread through the channel. André Janones pledged that the channel would not propagate misinformation. Lula's campaign is preparing legal action to challenge the TSE ruling, viewing it as an unwarranted interference that disrupts their campaign efforts while allegedly allowing opposing campaigns to operate without obstruction.

The president criticized what he perceives as discriminatory electoral justice, asserting that there should be no undue judicial interference in elections. Nunes Marques defended his decision as part of ensuring fairness and lawfulness in the electoral process. This controversy highlights growing tensions ahead of Brazil's 2026 elections around the role of social media, misinformation, and the balance of judicial oversight.

As the legal disputes unfold, Lula's vocal opposition signals a fraught battle over electoral communication channels and claims of partiality within Brazil’s highest electoral authority.