On October 16, the Workers' Party (PT) issued a statement countering criticisms from opposition members regarding a samba school’s tribute to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Rio de Janeiro Carnival. The PT claimed that there is 'no legal basis for any discussion' regarding ineligibility connected to the tribute, emphasizing that the performance was not an unauthorized campaign but rather a third-party honor that did not explicitly ask for votes, thus not constituting election irregularity.

The samba school Acadêmicos de Niterói honored President Lula with a theme centered around hope and labor, highlighting his identity as a working-class leader. The PT defended the tribute by stating it was part of cultural expression during the Carnival and did not violate election laws, as it lacked direct solicitation of votes, an essential component for defining electoral irregularities.

Opposition figures, including Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, have voiced strong criticism of the homage, framing it as a political campaign strategy. Bolsonaro announced plans to file legal action against what he termed the 'crimes of the PT at Sapucaí,' intensifying the political confrontation surrounding Lula's administration during a sensitive election period. This situation underscores the ongoing political polarization in Brazil as the country approaches elections, where cultural events like Carnaval are increasingly scrutinized by opposing political factions.