Kwara PDP Condemns Exorbitant Charges for Political Campaign Advertising Permits

Nigeria’s Peoples Democratic Party in Kwara State has rejected a proposed fee schedule for political campaign advertising, calling the charges an unjustifiable financial burden ahead of the 2027 elections.

The schedule presented at a recent stakeholder engagement in Ilorin would require presidential candidates to pay 100 million naira for advertising permits. Governorship candidates would pay 50 million naira, senatorial candidates 30 million, House of Representatives candidates 10 million and House of Assembly candidates 2 million.

In a statement signed by state publicity secretary Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the PDP said neither the party nor its candidates would accept charges it considers arbitrary, unlawful or unsupported by a properly disclosed legal instrument. It said it would comply with legitimate rules for orderly and responsible political communication, but not with what it described as an excessive burden imposed by the outgoing administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

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However, the existence of regulatory powers does not give public institution an unlimited licence to impose arbitrary financial burdens on citizens and political candidates.

The party acknowledged the regulator’s authority to control outdoor advertising structures, including their size, number and location, as well as posters and political signs. It said those powers should protect public safety and infrastructure, not justify unlimited financial demands.

The PDP asked the Kwara State Signage and Advertising Agency to explain who approved the amounts, how they were calculated and what services would justify collecting millions of naira. It also cited the Electoral Act 2026, saying state institutions and the media must not be used to favor or disadvantage any party or candidate. If enforced in its current form, the PDP said, the policy could turn political communication into an exclusive preserve of the ruling party.

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As a party, we’ve also examined the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026, particularly the provisions governing political campaigns and media access.