Kogi State N5m Campaign Billboard Levy Rejected by PDP Candidate

• The Kogi State Government has imposed a N5 million campaign signage fee on assembly candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
• Michael Idoko, PDP candidate for Ogugu State Constituency, has rejected the policy as anti-democratic and anti-people.
• The levy could discourage young aspirants, women, and grassroots politicians from seeking elective office in Nigeria.

He argued that elections were won through grassroots mobilisation, credibility, service and public trust rather than the number or size of campaign billboards erected by candidates.

The Kogi State Government has imposed a N5 million campaign signage fee on assembly candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections. This decision was part of a broader policy to regulate political advertising and generate revenue for the state. The government had approved different fees for various categories of candidates, with presidential candidates paying N150m, senatorial candidates paying N50m, House of Representatives candidates paying N30m, and State House of Assembly candidates paying N5m. The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed the charges after a stakeholders meeting with operators in the signage and advertising sector.

This development may indicate a potential challenge to the constitutionality of the levy, which could impact political participation and access to public office in Nigeria. Lawyers and compliance officers should note that this issue may be subject to court decisions or regulatory actions related to elections finance laws in Africa. The policy has been criticized by Michael Idoko, the Peoples Democratic Party candidate for Ogugu State Constituency, who argued that it reflects a disconnect between the government and the economic realities facing ordinary residents.

The imposition of this levy raises concerns about the impact on political participation and access to public office in Nigeria. Idoko's rejection of the policy highlights the need for regulatory clarity and transparency in elections finance laws. The issue also underscores the importance of grassroots mobilization, credibility, service, and public trust in winning elections, rather than relying solely on campaign billboards.

Lawyers and compliance officers should note that this development may indicate a potential challenge to the constitutionality of the levy, which could impact political participation and access to public office in Nigeria. They should monitor any subsequent court decisions or regulatory actions related to this issue.

Source: Original reporting via The PUNCH