NewsNigeriaPoliticsPDP in Kogi rejects campaign signage fees 

The newly announced campaign signage and promotional material fees imposed by the Kogi State Government ahead of the October 2026 Local Government elections and the 2027 general elections have been rejected by the Kogi State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The party, in a statement by its State Chairman, Hon. Mohammed Sanni Gambo, and made available to journalists in Lokoja, described the policy as excessive, disproportionate, and undemocratic.

At the weekend, the PDP said that while it recognizes the legitimate responsibility of government to regulate outdoor advertising and maintain order in public spaces, such regulation must be reasonable, affordable and consistent with the constitutional right of political parties, candidates and citizens to participate freely in the democratic process.

The Government of Kogi State had announced fees of N150 million for presidential candidates, N50 million for senatorial candidates, N30 million for House of Representatives candidates, N5 million for State Assembly candidates, N2 million for chairmanship candidates, and N300,000 for councillorship candidates for campaign signage and related promotional materials.

“Elections are contests of ideas, service, and the will of the people. Government regulation must never become a financial barrier that determines who can effectively communicate with the electorate.

“First, the charges are excessive and disproportionate. Section 92(4) of the Electoral Act 2026 limits the total election expenses of a senatorial candidate to N500 million.

“A N50 million signage levy alone therefore consumes 10 percent of a candidate’s entire statutory spending ceiling, before expenditure on rallies, media, transportation, campaign offices, logistics, and other legitimate campaign activities.

“The PDP therefore maintains that legitimate regulatory fees should be fair and proportionate and should not undermine the very expenditure limits established by electoral law or effectively price candidates and opposition parties out of meaningful political participation.

“Second, the government must distinguish commercial outdoor advertising from the personal political expression of citizens. The State Government’s published policy expressly extends beyond billboards and posters to branded T-shirts, caps and other campaign materials. Requiring payment to government before ordinary citizens may wear campaign T-shirts or caps, brand their privately owned vehicles, or display political materials on their homes and private property raises serious constitutional concerns.

“Sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantee freedom of expression and the right to peaceful association, including political association. Government may regulate commercial signage and the use of public advertising infrastructure, but it must exercise extreme caution before extending such regulation into the personal political expression of private citizens.

“The Kogi PDP therefore calls on the State Government to immediately review the approved fees and convene an inclusive meeting involving all registered political parties, civil society organisations, KOSSAA and other relevant stakeholders to agree on a transparent, reasonable and equitable framework.

“Democracy thrives when the playing field is level, participation is encouraged and every citizen is free to express a political preference without unnecessary financial or administrative barriers.

“The PDP reaffirms its commitment to peaceful, free, fair and inclusive elections in Kogi State and calls on all political actors and citizens to continue to engage constructively in strengthening our democracy,” Gambo said.