JUST IN: ADC THREATENS LEGAL ACTION OVER ENUGU’S ₦150M CAMPAIGN PERMIT FEE

ADC THREATENS LEGAL ACTION OVER ENUGU’S ₦150M CAMPAIGN PERMIT FEE

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has vowed to challenge the Enugu State Government in court over a newly announced ₦150 million advertising permit fee imposed on political parties and candidates ahead of the 2026 and 2027 elections.

The directive was issued by the Enugu State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency (ENSSAA), which stated that all political parties and candidates must obtain a campaign permit before deploying campaign materials, branding vehicles, erecting billboards or conducting street rallies across the state.

Speaking during a management meeting at the agency’s headquarters in Enugu, ENSSAA General Manager, Mr Francis Aninwike, said the fee aligns with the agency’s statutory mandate to regulate outdoor advertising and maintain environmental standards across the 17 local government areas of the state.

According to the agency, the ₦150 million statutory fee grants parties and candidates the right to deploy visual campaign materials, including banners, branded vehicles, T-shirts and handbills, as well as conduct rallies and other promotional activities. The agency warned that failure to comply would attract removal of campaign materials and possible legal sanctions.

Addressing concerns over potential bias, Aninwike maintained that the guidelines would apply uniformly to all political actors, including incumbents. He added that the policy is aimed at preventing visual pollution, protecting public infrastructure and ensuring professional standards during the electioneering period. The agency also cautioned supporters against defacing opponents’ campaign materials, describing such actions as punishable under the law.

However, the ADC strongly criticised the directive, describing it as an attempt to suppress opposition parties. Reacting to the development, the Chairman of ADC in Igbo-Eze South and Chairman of Chairmen for Enugu North Senatorial Zone, Ugwu Izuchukwu, said the party would seek judicial redress.

Izuchukwu alleged that the administration of Governor Peter Mbah intends to use state resources to dominate the political space while imposing financial barriers on opposition parties. He argued that the fee is excessive and could undermine democratic participation.

He stated that political parties should not be subjected to what he described as prohibitive charges before being allowed to campaign or brand vehicles. According to him, the ADC and other opposition members would explore all available legal avenues to challenge the directive.

The development has sparked debate within political circles in Enugu State, with stakeholders divided over whether the permit fee constitutes regulatory oversight or an undue financial burden on political participation.

As preparations intensify for the upcoming electoral cycle, attention is likely to shift to the courts should the ADC proceed with its planned legal action. The outcome may have broader implications for campaign regulations and political engagement within the state.