The Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed concern over the state government's planned enforcement of signage laws, which it believes is aimed at suppressing opposition campaigns ahead of the 2027 governorship election. In a statement, the PDP's State Publicity Secretary, Bright Antyo, described the directive as "draconian, vindictive and dangerous for democracy." The party claimed that the government's action was prompted by the growing popularity of the PDP and the increasing dissatisfaction among the people of the state with the current administration.
According to the PDP, the state government's directive to remove billboards and posters from October 20, 2026, is a calculated attempt to intimidate opponents and restrict the visibility of alternative political voices. The party noted that the government's sudden interest in enforcing signage laws is suspicious, especially since the regulations were not vigorously enforced before opposition campaigns began gaining traction. The PDP argued that the government's action creates the impression that state institutions are being mobilized to act as instruments of political warfare against perceived opponents.
The PDP emphasized that it is saddened by the government's action, which it believes undermines democratic freedoms and abuses state institutions for partisan purposes. The party advised Governor Hyacinth Alia to abandon the path of "political intolerance" and warned that any attempt to intimidate opponents, monopolize public space, and create the illusion of an unchallenged political landscape will fail. The PDP stressed that democracy is sustained by winning the trust of the people through good governance, accountability, transparency, and tangible results, not by pulling down opponents' billboards and posters.
The PDP highlighted that for months, Benue people have witnessed the growing popularity of opposition leaders and political movements across the state. Billboards carrying messages of hope, security, economic revival, and political change have appeared in major towns and communities. The party noted that rather than addressing the genuine concerns being raised by Benue people, Governor Alia appears determined to embark on a campaign of intimidation.
The PDP's statement also observed that no one should be deceived by the language of "regulation" and "compliance," as the real target of the exercise is the opposition. The party warned that any selective removal of opposition campaign materials under the guise of enforcement will be interpreted as a direct attack on democratic freedoms and a dangerous abuse of state institutions for partisan purposes.
The PDP questioned the government's motives, asking why the Alia administration waited until now to enforce signage laws. The party also asked why the regulations were not vigorously enforced before opposition campaigns began gaining traction and why the government has suddenly become eager to dismantle structures carrying messages that challenge its record.
The PDP reminded Governor Alia that democracy is not sustained by pulling down opponents' billboards and posters but by winning the trust of the people through good governance, accountability, transparency, and tangible results. The party condemned the government's action in the strongest possible terms, viewing it as a desperate, anti-democratic, and politically motivated attempt to cripple opposition campaigns ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Key points
- The Benue State PDP has condemned the government directive to remove opposition billboards and posters, describing it as "draconian, vindictive and dangerous for democracy."
- The party believes the government's action is aimed at suppressing opposition campaigns ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
- The PDP advised Governor Alia to abandon the path of "political intolerance" and focus on winning the trust of the people through good governance.
