The Edo State Signage and Advertising Regulatory Agency has removed campaign banners featuring Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The banners were taken down from a billboard at Stadium Road Junction by Ekenwan Road in Benin City. According to reports, the agency's officials had attempted to remove the materials earlier but were resisted by residents.
The agency's taskforce returned to the location on Wednesday in three Sienna vehicles and successfully pulled down the campaign materials. This incident has sparked controversy, with Hon. Frank Uyi Omosigho, the member representing Oredo East Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, condemning the action. He described it as an escalation of alleged attacks on the party's campaign materials.
Omosigho, who is also the NDC candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, stated that the billboard was located in a public area where political parties should be able to communicate their messages to voters, subject to applicable regulations. He alleged that this incident was part of a wider pattern of attacks on NDC campaign materials in Oredo.
The lawmaker claimed that his campaign office had come under attack and that his campaign billboards and posters had been destroyed at different locations. He warned that such incidents could undermine peaceful political participation ahead of the 2027 general elections. Omosigho emphasized that political contests should focus on ideas, programs, and competence rather than the destruction of opponents' campaign materials.
In response, an official of the Edo State Signage and Advertising Regulatory Agency stated that the advert materials were removed because the owners had yet to regularize their placement on the billboard with the agency. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, advised the affected party to visit the agency's office to resolve the matter and comply with relevant regulatory requirements.
The incident has raised concerns about the role of regulatory agencies in Nigeria's electoral process. The NDC party has expressed concerns about the impact of such actions on the democratic process. The party has called for a peaceful and fair electoral environment, where all parties can campaign freely.
The removal of the campaign materials has sparked a heated debate about the limits of regulatory agencies' powers and the rights of political parties to campaign. The incident has also highlighted the need for clear guidelines and regulations on the display of campaign materials in public spaces.
Key points
- The Edo State Signage and Advertising Regulatory Agency removed campaign banners of NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi and running mate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
- The incident has sparked controversy and concerns about the role of regulatory agencies in Nigeria's electoral process.
- The NDC party has expressed concerns about the impact of such actions on the democratic process.
