The Novo party has taken legal action against President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the Workers' Party (PT), and the samba school Acadêmicos de Niterói, alleging that their Carnaval theme represents premature electoral propaganda. The theme, titled 'From the top of the mulungu comes hope: Lula, the worker of Brazil,' is claimed to move beyond mere cultural homage and instead function as a pre-campaign tool that links Lula's political journey with elements typical of electoral campaigns. Novo is seeking a fine of R$ 9.65 million, arguing that this represents the total economic costs associated with the alleged misuse of public resources in the process.

In their petition to the Superior Electoral Court (TSE), Novo specifically highlights that both the samba-enredo itself and its promotion on social media contain electoral content, thus violating laws against early campaigning. The party believes that the representation of Lula in this manner is not only inappropriate but it also undermines the integrity of electoral processes by blending cultural festivities with political endorsements. By emphasizing the supposed overlap between Carnival and electoral campaigning, Novo's legal complaint raises questions about the boundaries of cultural expression and its intersections with political activities.

This lawsuit could have significant implications for how political figures engage with cultural events in Brazil, as it tests the limits of electoral law in the context of public celebrations. If the TSE finds merit in Novo's claims, this could set a precedent that might alter how political personas are allowed to be integrated into events traditionally considered apolitical. Moreover, it underlines the fierce political rivalry in Brazil, where parties are closely monitoring each other's influences in public spheres, particularly ahead of a forthcoming election cycle.