When Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva learned that a samba school in Rio de Janeiro would base its carnival parade this year on his journey from factory worker to president, he broke into tears and then smiled for pictures holding the school’s flag. But, as Rio’s world-famous carnival parade approached, the tribute became a political headache. Opposition parties and politicians have filed a flurry of lawsuits alleging that Lula is benefiting from what they describe as an illegal form of early campaigning ahead of this year’s presidential election. The president hopes to be elected for his fourth nonconsecutive term in October. Courts have already rejected all but one of the lawsuits, including one that asked judges to stop the parade from taking place. But more could be filed if critics believe politicians used the event, scheduled to happen on Sunday night, to ask for votes, which would be illegal. Still, Lula is planning to watch samba school Academicos de Niteroi sing and dance to his and his mother’s life stories on Sunday in Rio, his aides told Reuters, but he won’t be speaking at any moment. The president’s wife Rosangela ‘Janja’ da Silva’s plans to take part in the parade are under review, people familiar with the government’s thinking told Reuters.