A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Nigeria, Salihu Tanko Yakasai, has accused the Kano state government of preventing the opposition party from mounting campaign billboards across the state. Yakasai alleged that the government was restricting the party's political advertising activities, despite obtaining necessary approvals. He expressed disappointment, citing the transient nature of political power and appealed to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to reconsider the government's stance.
Yakasai's concerns were echoed by Adnan Mukhtar Tudun Wada, an aide to ADC's governorship candidate, Ibrahim Ali Little. Tudun Wada alleged that the government had ordered the removal of ADC billboards across the state, describing the move as an abuse of democratic principles. He argued that opposition parties were previously allowed to erect billboards under former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, and questioned the current government's restrictions on the political space in Kano.
Another ADC candidate, Mussadiq Tofa, who is contesting the Dawakin Tofa/Tofa/Rimin Gado Federal Constituency seat, corroborated Yakasai's claims. Tofa said a billboard company refunded his payment and removed his campaign banners after allegedly receiving directives from the Kano State Signage Agency (KASA). The company reportedly told him that the banners were not in line with the current administration's interests and risked losing its operating licence if it refused to comply.
However, the Director-General of KASA, Comrade Kabiru Dakata, denied the allegations of restricting opposition parties' billboards. Dakata stated that the agency had not denied any political party the right to erect campaign billboards, provided they obtained approval and paid the appropriate fees. He emphasized that the agency does not discriminate against any political party and that the rules for erecting billboards apply to all outdoor advertisements.
Dakata explained that the agency's role is to ensure that all billboards are erected with necessary approvals, and that any billboard erected without approval would be removed. He maintained that the agency's actions are neutral and based on the rules guiding outdoor advertisements in Kano state. The ADC's allegations have sparked concerns about the level of democracy and freedom of expression in Kano state.
The development has raised questions about the Kano state government's commitment to democratic principles and the rights of opposition parties to participate in the electoral process. The ADC's claims have also sparked debates about the role of government in regulating political advertising and the limits of free speech in Nigeria's democratic space.
The situation remains tense, with the ADC and other opposition parties awaiting the government's response to their allegations. The Kano state government's actions will be closely watched by Nigerians and international observers, as the country prepares for upcoming elections. The incident highlights the challenges faced by opposition parties in Nigeria and the need for a more inclusive and democratic electoral process.
Key points
- Kano state government accused of restricting opposition party's campaign billboards
- ADC alleges government ordered removal of its billboards across the state
- KASA denies allegations, says agency does not discriminate against any political party
