Kogi PDP opposes N150 million fee for campaign signs

The Kogi State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has rejected the new fees for campaign signs and promotional materials set by the Kogi State Government. This fee is ahead of the October 2026 Local Government elections and the 2027 general elections. The party called the policy excessive, unfair, and undemocratic.

This information came from a statement by the State Chairman, Mohammed Gambo, on Thursday in Lokoja, the state capital.

The party said that while it understands the government's duty to manage outdoor advertising and keep public areas in order, such rules should be reasonable, affordable, and respect the rights of political parties, candidates, and citizens to take part in democracy.

PUNCH Online reports that the state government has set fees of ₦150 million for presidential candidates, ₦50 million for senatorial candidates, ₦30 million for House of Representatives candidates, ₦5 million for State Assembly candidates, ₦2 million for chairmanship candidates, and ₦300,000 for councillorship candidates for campaign signs and related materials.

Reacting to the fees, Gambo stated, "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."

He added, "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 ₦500 million. A ₦50 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 argued that regulatory fees must be fair and should not go against the spending limits set by electoral law. They should not push candidates and opposition parties out of real political participation.

The party also said, "Second, government must distinguish commercial outdoor advertising from the personal political expression of citizens."

They pointed out that the state government's published policy goes beyond billboards and posters to include 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."

The PDP mentioned that 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. They noted that government may manage commercial signage and public advertising, but must be careful before extending such rules into personal political expression.

The Kogi PDP urged the state government to review the fees and hold a meeting with all registered political parties, civil society groups, KOSSAA, and other important stakeholders. They want to agree on a clear, fair, and reasonable framework.

The party concluded, "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 also reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful, free, fair, and inclusive elections in Kogi state. They call on all political actors and citizens to keep engaging positively to strengthen democracy.