Opposition Parties Drag Enugu Govt to Court Over ₦150m Campaign Permit Fee
A coalition of opposition political parties in Enugu State has approached the Federal High Court in Enugu, challenging the state government and its advertising regulatory agency over a ₦150 million “advertising permit fee” imposed for campaign-related materials ahead of the 2026/2027 general elections.
The plaintiffs are contesting the policy, which requires political parties to pay the levy before deploying billboards and posters, arguing that it amounts to an unconstitutional attempt to stifle opposition activity and place an excessive financial burden on rival parties.
The suit, filed through an originating summons dated June 15, 2026, was jointly instituted by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and Social Democratic Party (SDP), alongside their respective state chairmen.
Joined as defendants are the Enugu State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency (ENSSAA), its General Manager, Mr Francis Aninwike, the Enugu State House of Assembly, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), and the Nigeria Police Force.
Through their counsel, Ike Ozor, the plaintiffs are asking the court to determine whether ENSSAA and the state government under Governor Peter Mbah have any legal authority to impose such a high fee on political parties for campaign advertisements.
They argue that the regulation of electoral campaigns falls strictly within the purview of INEC under the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution (as amended), while advertising regulation remains a federal responsibility under ARCON and the National Assembly.
According to the plaintiffs, any state law or directive imposing restrictions or charges on political campaign advertisements is illegal, ultra vires, and unconstitutional.
They are seeking declarations that the ENSSAA policy is null, void and of no effect, as well as an order setting it aside and a perpetual injunction restraining its enforcement.
The opposition parties are also requesting an order compelling the Nigeria Police Force to provide protection for political actors and prevent any alleged intimidation or harassment linked to enforcement of the policy.
The case comes amid growing national debate over the role of state signage agencies in regulating political advertising, with critics accusing some state governments of using such frameworks to frustrate opposition campaigns and tilt the political playing field ahead of the 2027 elections.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
