The Kogi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally opposed the high costs imposed by the state government for campaign signage and promotional materials ahead of the 2026 local and 2027 general elections. Party Chairman Mohammed Gambo labeled the charges unreasonable, suggesting they threaten to hinder political participation.
The government’s fee structure requires presidential candidates to pay N150 million, while senatorial contenders face a N50 million charge. Fees for House of Representatives, State House of Assembly, local chairmanship, and councillorship candidates are set at N30 million, N5 million, N2 million, and N300,000, respectively. Gambo noted that the senatorial fee alone consumes 10 percent of the legal campaign spending limit established by the Electoral Act 2026, leaving little room for other essential activities like media outreach and logistics.
Furthermore, the PDP expressed alarm that these regulations extend to private items such as campaign apparel and branded personal vehicles. The party argues that such oversight infringes upon constitutional rights to freedom of expression and association. Gambo urged the state administration to initiate a dialogue with political parties, the Kogi State Signage and Advertisement Agency (KOSSAA), and civil society groups to establish a more equitable and transparent fee structure that fosters a competitive democratic environment.
