The Kogi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has rejected campaign signage and promotional-material fees recently introduced by the state government ahead of the October 2026 local government elections and the 2027 general elections.

The party described the charges as excessive, disproportionate and undemocratic, arguing that they could create a financial barrier to political participation.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the state PDP chairman, Mohammed Gambo, the party acknowledged the government’s responsibility to regulate outdoor advertising and maintain order in public spaces. However, it said such regulations should remain reasonable, affordable and consistent with the constitutional rights of political parties, candidates and citizens.

The state government reportedly approved a N150m fee for presidential candidates, N50m for senatorial candidates, N30m for House of Representatives candidates, N5m for State Assembly candidates, N2m for chairmanship candidates and N300,000 for councillorship candidates.

The PDP argued that the fees were excessive, particularly when compared with the spending limits established under the Electoral Act 2026.

The party pointed to Section 92(4) of the Act, which places a N500m limit on the total election expenses of a senatorial candidate. It argued that the N50m signage fee alone would amount to 10 per cent of the candidate’s statutory spending limit, before expenses on rallies, media, transportation, campaign offices and other activities.

According to the PDP, legitimate regulatory charges should be fair and proportionate and should not undermine electoral spending limits or make it difficult for opposition parties and candidates to participate meaningfully in elections.

The party also urged the government to distinguish between commercial outdoor advertising and political expression by citizens and political parties.

It called on the Kogi State Government to immediately review the fees and organise an inclusive meeting involving registered political parties, civil society organisations, the Kogi State Signage and Advertisement Agency and other relevant stakeholders.

The PDP said such a meeting would help establish a transparent, reasonable and equitable framework for regulating campaign signage ahead of the upcoming elections.