As political campaigns officially kick off for the November 8, 2025, governorship election in Anambra State, a fresh storm is brewing over a controversial directive issued by the Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA), pegging a hefty ₦50 million permit fee on each political party before any billboard or outdoor campaign material can be deployed.
The agency’s Managing Director, Tony Ujubuonu, made the declaration on Wednesday during a press briefing held at its Awka headquarters. He stressed that the new guideline was in line with the state’s regulatory framework for campaign publicity and became necessary following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) lifting of the campaign ban earlier the same day.
“In line with the regulatory framework guiding political campaign activities in Anambra State, and following the lifting of the ban on political campaigns by INEC today, June 11, 2025, we wish to formally inform all political parties and the public of the guidelines governing outdoor promotions and visual campaigns,” Ujubuonu stated.
Under this policy, each political party must pay ₦50 million into the state’s account before deploying campaign materials such as posters, branded vehicles, fliers, T-shirts, caps, banners, street rallies, and other forms of visual advertising across Anambra’s 21 local government areas.
With at least 16 political parties cleared by INEC to participate in the election, the total sum expected to flow into the state coffers could exceed ₦800 million—raising eyebrows and sparking criticisms over what some already describe as a monetization of the democratic process.
Ujubuonu defended the policy, noting that ANSAA was established in 2010 by the Anambra State Government to regulate out-of-home advertising, ensure aesthetic standards, and collect revenues from public signage.
He further warned that no political party, candidate, or support group is allowed to erect any campaign billboard without proper authorization. Only practitioners registered with the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON)—a federal agency—are permitted to handle advertisement structures in the state under ANSAA’s supervision.
“This is a campaign among brothers—not a do-or-die affair,” Ujubuonu added. “We appeal to all political parties and their supporters to respect the space of others and avoid defacing or pulling down opponents’ materials. Such acts are unacceptable and undemocratic.”
He emphasized that the campaign season must remain peaceful, urging media professionals and political actors to uphold professional conduct and help ensure a civil democratic exercise.
Notably, the directive is expected to apply across party lines—including to the incumbent governor and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo. Ujubuonu confirmed that all parties and candidates have been formally notified and that updates will be made public as soon as compliance begins.
While the state government defends the move as necessary regulation, critics say the ₦50 million billboard fee could effectively price out smaller parties and tilt the playing field in favor of the wealthiest contenders. With campaign season just beginning, Anambra’s electoral terrain may already be marred by a battle not of ideas—but of who can pay to be seen.
📌 Updates expected as parties respond and compliance unfolds.
