The Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Kogi State Chapter, has expressed strong opposition to the campaign signage charges recently announced by the Kogi State Government, describing the policy as unnecessarily burdensome and unsuitable for a healthy democratic environment.
The government reportedly approved a fee of ₦150 million for presidential candidates, ₦50 million for senatorial candidates, ₦30 million for House of Representatives candidates and ₦5 million for State House of Assembly candidates. Fees were also announced for candidates contesting the forthcoming local government elections.
However, the party questions the wisdom of imposing such substantial financial obligations on political candidates simply for displaying campaign materials.Campaign posters and billboards are fundamental tools through which candidates introduce themselves, communicate their programmes and reach voters.
Turning access to these platforms into a major financial expense could discourage participation, particularly by less financially powerful parties and candidates.APM therefore believes that the focus should be on effective regulation rather than excessive revenue generation from political campaigns.
The party is also asking the Kogi State Government to explain publicly how the figures were arrived at and why such amounts are considered appropriate for the state’s political environment.The party further cautions against enforcement that could result in political tension.
Any signage regulation adopted by the state must be administered with fairness, consistency and transparency, without creating an advantage or disadvantage for any particular political organisation.APM maintains that the strength of democracy is measured by the opportunity it provides for different voices to reach the electorate.
Regulations should therefore facilitate an orderly electoral process, not make political visibility dependent on financial capacity.The Allied Peoples Movement consequently calls on the Kogi State Government to suspend the implementation of the announced charges and engage stakeholders towards a more realistic and affordable framework.
APM remains committed to promoting an electoral environment where political parties can engage citizens, present their programmes and compete responsibly for their mandate.— Allied Peoples Movement (APM)Kogi State Chapter