The Kogi State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the campaign signage and promotional-material fees recently approved by the state government ahead of the October 2026 local government elections and the 2027 general elections.
The party described the charges as excessive and disproportionate, warning that they could undermine democratic participation and create financial barriers for opposition parties and less-wealthy candidates.
In a statement signed by its State Chairman, Mohammed Sanni Gambo, the PDP acknowledged the government’s responsibility to regulate outdoor advertising and maintain order in public spaces.
However, Gambo stressed that such regulations must be reasonable, affordable and consistent with citizens’ constitutional rights.
The state government 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.
The PDP chairman argued that the charges were excessive, particularly for candidates operating within statutory campaign spending limits.
“Elections are contests of ideas, service and the will of the people. Government regulation must never become a financial barrier capable of determining who can effectively communicate with the electorate,” Gambo said.
He cited Section 92(4) of the Electoral Act 2026, which he said places the total election expenses of a senatorial candidate at N500 million.
According to him, a N50 million signage fee would alone consume 10 per cent of a senatorial candidate’s permitted election expenditure, leaving candidates to finance rallies, media campaigns, transportation, campaign offices, logistics and other legitimate election activities.
The party therefore urged the state government to make the regulatory charges fair and proportionate, warning that excessive fees could make political participation increasingly difficult for opposition parties and candidates with limited financial resources.
The PDP also raised concerns over the reported extension of the policy to branded T-shirts, caps and other campaign materials.
It argued that commercial outdoor advertising should be distinguished from citizens’ private political expression, including wearing campaign clothing, branding privately owned vehicles and displaying political materials on private property.
The party further maintained that Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution guarantee freedom of expression and peaceful association, including political association.
While acknowledging the government’s authority to regulate commercial signage and the use of public advertising infrastructure, the PDP urged authorities to exercise caution in applying such regulations to the private political activities of citizens.
The opposition party called on the Kogi 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.
It said such engagement would help establish a transparent, reasonable and equitable framework for campaign signage and promotional materials ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The PDP maintained that democracy thrives when the political playing field is level, participation is encouraged and citizens are able to express their political choices without unnecessary financial or administrative barriers.
The party also reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful, free, fair and inclusive elections in Kogi State, urging political actors and citizens to sustain constructive engagement towards strengthening the democratic process.
