The Anambra State Government has introduced a N50 million permit fee for presidential candidates seeking to deploy outdoor campaign materials in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The directive was announced by the Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA), which said the policy applies to all political parties and aspirants planning visual campaign activities across the state.

The move means leading political figures, including Peter Obi, Bola Tinubu, and Atiku Abubakar, will be required to obtain permits before deploying campaign materials.

Government defends regulation policy

ANSAA said the fee structure is aimed at ensuring orderliness in political advertising, protecting public infrastructure, and preventing environmental pollution caused by indiscriminate campaign materials.

The agency explained that it is legally empowered to regulate signage and outdoor advertisements in the state and to coordinate all visual political campaigns.

It added that the system is also intended to guarantee fairness and equal access to advertising spaces for all political actors.

Breakdown of campaign charges

Under the new arrangement, senatorial candidates will pay N20 million, while House of Representatives candidates will pay N5 million.

Candidates for the Anambra State House of Assembly are expected to pay N1.5 million, while local government chairmanship aspirants will pay N2.5 million.

Councillorship candidates will pay N100,000 before deploying any outdoor campaign materials.

Strict approval and compliance rules

ANSAA stated that all campaign materials must be vetted and approved by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) before use.

The agency warned against defacing public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and public buildings with posters and campaign materials.

It also said only licensed advertising practitioners recognised by ARCON would be allowed to erect billboards and other campaign structures.

Enforcement and penalties

According to the agency, enforcement teams will monitor compliance throughout the campaign period, and defaulters will face sanctions under relevant state laws.

Officials urged political parties and candidates to conduct peaceful campaigns and avoid actions that could undermine democratic processes.

Background to repeated policy

The state government has previously implemented similar campaign permit fees ahead of elections, including lower charges during the 2023 general elections.

While authorities argue the policy ensures order and environmental management, it has continued to generate public debate over the cost of political participation in the state.