As the November 8, 2025, governorship election approaches, the Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA) is tightening its grip on political campaigns.
Out of the 16 political parties registered to contest, only five have complied with the ₦50 million campaign permit fee.
The fee allows parties to legally display billboards, paste posters, brand campaign vehicles, and conduct other outdoor promotional activities across the state.
The compliant parties are: Labour Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Young Progressives Party (YPP), Action Alliance (AA), and African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“APGA was the most recent to fulfil the requirement on July 2,” ANSAA’s Managing Director and CEO, Tony Ujubuonu, told journalists at the agency’s office in Awka on Tuesday.
Lawbreaking, Violence, and a Late Letter
Ujubuonu accused one major party—which he declined to name—of “persistently violating” the law by campaigning without a permit.
He described how the party went ahead to hoist banners, paste posters, organise rallies, and install unapproved billboards without any clearance from ANSAA or the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON).
“They were served two demand notices, each with a two-week grace, followed by a legal reminder and a one-week extension. Yet, no compliance,” Ujubuonu said.
On August 1, after the deadline passed, the party hurriedly submitted a backdated letter claiming there was a fee dispute.
“The letter was received, but since it came after our grace period, there was nothing we could do,” he added.
Worse still, ANSAA officials were allegedly attacked in Nri, Aniocha LGA, while attempting to enforce the law.
“Supporters of the same party assaulted our staff and obstructed lawful enforcement,” said Assistant General Manager, Chika Ngobiri, who confirmed that his team narrowly escaped physical harm.
The agency has reported the assault to the police.
Only Law-Abiding Parties Will Be Recognised – ANSAA
Ujubuonu made it clear that ANSAA would not allow impunity to undermine the credibility of the coming election.
“We are fully within our legal rights to enforce compliance and shall do so with the professionalism our agency is known for,” he stated.
He called for public support, urging the media and citizens to “bear witness” that the agency has exhausted all civil and administrative options.
Some parties, he acknowledged, have switched to radio, TV, and social media for their campaigns.
“That is acceptable as long as they don’t break the laws governing out-of-home advertising,” he noted.
As the clock ticks toward the November election, ANSAA insists it won’t back down. Its message to defaulting parties is clear: comply or face the full weight of the law.
Should political parties be allowed to campaign freely before paying permit fees? What would be a fairer system?
Rate, Like 👍, Comment💬, share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
