Kogi's N5m fee for election billboards sparks opposition from PDP contender

Michael Idoko, the Peoples Democratic Party candidate for Ogugu State Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly, has voiced his opposition to the N5 million campaign signage fee imposed by the state government on assembly candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, labeling it as anti-democratic and anti-people.

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In a statement released in Abuja on Thursday, Idoko expressed his discontent with the policy, arguing that it could lead to a situation where political participation becomes heavily reliant on a candidate's financial resources.

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The Kogi State Government has set a fee of N150m for presidential candidates to place campaign billboards, posters, and other promotional materials across the state, with lower fees of N50m, N30m, and N5m applicable to senatorial, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly candidates, respectively.

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These charges, which cover campaign billboards, posters, branded T-shirts, caps, and other political promotional materials, were disclosed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, in Lokoja, following a stakeholders' meeting with operators in the signage and advertising sector.

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The fees are intended to cover the costs of campaign materials ahead of the 2027 elections and the October 2026 Local Government polls, but Idoko has questioned the rationale behind the policy, asking what distinguishes a commercial billboard from a political one and how a billboard contributes to winning votes.

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Idoko contends that elections are won through grassroots mobilisation, credibility, service, and public trust, rather than the number or size of campaign billboards erected by candidates, citing historical examples of candidates who have won elections without erecting a single billboard.

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He believes that the N5m demanded of assembly candidates could be better utilised to address the needs of constituents, such as paying school fees for indigent students, supporting widows, and providing medical assistance to vulnerable families.

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Idoko has criticised the government's justification for the levy, which is purportedly intended to generate revenue and regulate political advertising, arguing that political participation should not be treated as a source of revenue.

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He warns that the charges could deter young aspirants, women, and grassroots politicians from seeking elective office, ultimately undermining democracy if access to public office becomes determined by a candidate's ability to pay.

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Idoko has challenged the ruling All Progressives Congress in the state to explain how the levies align with its claims of running a people-oriented administration, while reaffirming his commitment to running a grassroots campaign focused on direct engagement with voters across Ogugu State Constituency.

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According to Idoko, public trust will remain his major campaign asset, as he seeks to connect with voters and address their needs, rather than relying on expensive campaign billboards and promotional materials.