The Novo party announced that it will seek the ineligibility of Brazilian President Lula da Silva, prompted by a carnival parade in which he was honored by the Acadêmicos de Niterói samba school. They argue that Lula's participation constitutes an abuse of political and economic power, as he is currently in office and the event can be seen as premature electoral propaganda. The party plans to file their request when Lula registers for reelection, which is due by August 15.

In the parade that took place on February 15, the samba school received federal funds destined for special group samba schools in Rio, raising concerns over the appropriateness of using public resources for the honor of a governmental figure. Eduardo Ribeiro, the president of the Novo party, emphasized that this is not merely a political discussion but a legal matter, suggesting that the president's actions could have clear legal ramifications formulated strictly by law. The financial grant of R$ 1 million recommended by the TCU (Tribunal de Contas da União) for these schools is now under scrutiny following this announcement.

The implications of this move by the Novo party could significantly affect the political landscape in Brazil as Lula prepares for his bid for reelection. If the request for ineligibility is successful, it could hinder not only Lula's campaign but also set a precedent regarding the interplay between political activities, state resources, and electoral laws. This situation shines a light on broader issues of electoral integrity and the use of public funds in political celebrations, which may influence public perception and impact future elections.