The Anambra State Government has introduced a new fee structure for political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, requiring candidates to obtain permits before carrying out any outdoor political activities in the state.
The policy was announced by the Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA), which said presidential candidates will now pay ₦50 million to access approval for campaign materials and outdoor engagements. Senatorial candidates are to pay ₦20 million.
The announcement was made on Friday in Awka during a briefing by the agency’s Assistant General Manager, Chika Ngobili, who said the move was aimed at guiding political parties and aspirants on rules governing outdoor political communication.
According to the new tariff, House of Representatives candidates will pay ₦5 million, while those contesting for seats in the Anambra State House of Assembly are expected to pay ₦1.5 million. Local government chairmanship candidates will pay ₦2.5 million, and councillorship aspirants will be charged ₦100,000 before they can mount any campaign activity outdoors.
Ngobili explained that the permit system covers a wide range of political communication tools, including posters, branded vehicles, banners, flyers, public address systems, campaign rallies, street campaigns, branded clothing, and other visual materials displayed within the state.
He noted that the guidelines were developed in line with regulatory provisions governing election campaigns, as well as preparations ahead of the official commencement of campaigns by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
ANSAA said the directive was also intended to formally inform political parties, candidates, media organisations, advertising practitioners, and the general public about the standards for out-of-home political advertising in Anambra State during the 2027 election cycle.
The agency added that it is legally empowered to regulate outdoor advertising, issue permits, maintain environmental aesthetics, protect public infrastructure, and generate revenue for the state government.
It further stated that all campaign materials must first be reviewed and approved by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) before they can be deployed publicly.
ANSAA also warned political actors against indiscriminate posting of campaign materials, stressing that defacing opponents’ posters or destroying campaign structures would not be tolerated.
Ngobili emphasized that no individual, party, or support group is allowed to erect billboards or advertising structures without using licensed advertising practitioners approved by ARCON and authorised by the state agency.
He also cautioned against placing posters on public infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, road signs, bridges, drainage systems, and monuments, warning that violators would face sanctions.
According to him, enforcement teams will monitor compliance throughout the campaign period, and anyone who breaches the rules will be penalised under relevant state laws.
He urged political stakeholders to conduct their campaigns responsibly and avoid actions that could inflame tensions, stressing that elections should not be treated as a “do-or-die affair.”
Ngobili also called on the media to support efforts aimed at ensuring orderliness in the political space and promoting peaceful electoral conduct across the state.
Presidential candidates to pay ₦50m for Anambra campaign permits
63
