By joshua
KOGI PDP REJECT NEW CAMPAIGN SIGNAGE FEES, SEEKS INCLUSIVE CONSULTATION AHEAD OF 2027 POLLS
Lokoja, 13th August 2026
The Kogi State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has expressed concern over the newly approved fees for campaign signage and promotional materials announced by the Kogi State Government ahead of the 2027 general elections and the October 2026 Local Government elections, outrightly condemned the action of the State Government.
In a statement issued by the State Chairman, Hon. Mohammed Sanni Gambo, the PDP said while it recognizes the need for order and regulation in the placement of political advertisements, the approved rates appear high and may limit the ability of political parties to engage freely with the electorate.
According to the statement credited to the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, the government approved 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 materials across the state.
The Commissioner explained that the rates followed a peer review and are intended to regulate political advertising, ensure compliance, and generate revenue for the state. He also noted that campaign materials placed without payment will be removed and that enforcement by KOSSAA, under Mr. Richard Osaseyi, will commence next week.
The Kogi PDP notes that elections are ultimately about ideas, service delivery, and the will of the people, not only about billboards, T-shirts or caps describe the State Government action as undemocratic
“This policy, as currently structured, may inadvertently place undue financial burden on political parties, especially opposition parties. Democracy thrives when the playing field is level and all voices can participate,” Hon. Gambo stated.
According to the PDP, Exorbitant and disproportionate charges: The PDP recognizes the legitimate need to regulate and charge reasonable fees for political billboards and outdoor advertising. However, such charges must be fair, proportionate and mindful of the statutory limits on campaign expenditure. Under Section 92(4) of the Electoral Act 2026, a senatorial candidate’s total election expenses are capped at ₦500 million; therefore, a ₦50 million charge for signage alone would consume 10% of the candidate’s entire statutory spending limit, before rallies, media, logistics and other campaign costs. The Government should review the fees through broader stakeholder consultation so that regulation does not become a financial barrier to democratic participation.
Regulate commercial signage, not citizens’ political expression: Government charges should principally apply to regulated commercial outdoor advertising structures and public advertising spaces, not to personal T-shirts, face caps, privately owned vehicles or ordinary non-commercial displays by citizens on their homes and private property. Requiring a candidate or party to pay the Government before supporters may independently wear campaign materials or publicly express their political preference raises serious constitutional concerns under Sections 39 and 40, which protect freedom of expression and political association. Any restriction on those freedoms must have a lawful and constitutionally permissible basis”.
The PDP acknowledges the government’s responsibility to maintain order and generate revenue. However, it urges that such regulations be reasonable, affordable, and developed through broad consultation with all stakeholders so that no party is unintentionally shut out of the democratic process.
In view of this, the Kogi PDP respectfully calls on the Kogi State Government to review the approved fees and convene a meeting with political parties, civil society organizations, and relevant agencies to agree on a framework that balances regulation with inclusion and fairness.
The PDP reaffirms its commitment to peaceful, free, fair and inclusive elections in Kogi State. We also call on all political actors and the good people of the state to continue to engage constructively to strengthen our democracy.
Signed:
Hon. Mohammed Sanni Gambo
Chairman, PDP
Kogi State Chapter