PDP rejects Kogi’s campaign signage fees, says charges target opposition

From Emmanuel Adeyemi, Lokoja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State Chapter has rejected 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

She described the policy as excessive, disproportionate and undemocratic in its present form.

In a statement issued by Mohammed Sanni Gambo, the PDP chairman in the state, said that while it recognised 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 Kogi State Government announced fees of ₦150million for presidential candidates, ₦50million for senatorial candidates, ₦30million for House of Representatives candidates, ₦5million for state Assembly candidates, ₦2million for chairmanship candidates and ₦300,000 for councillorship candidates for campaign signage and related promotional materials.

According to Gambo, “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.

“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 ₦500million.

‘A ₦50 million signage levy alone therefore consumes 10 per cent of a candidate’s entire statutory spending ceiling, before expenditure on rallies, media, transportation, campaign offices, logistics and other legitimate campaign activities.”

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

The PDP chairman also said the government must distinguish commercial outdoor advertising from the personal political expression of citizens, saying 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.”