February 23, 2026 — SUNTV Global Channel
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has vowed to institute legal action against the Enugu State Government over a controversial ₦150 million advertising permit imposed on political parties ahead of the 2026 and 2027 elections.
The dispute follows a directive issued on Monday by the Enugu State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency (ENSSAA), requiring all political parties and candidates to pay the fee before mounting campaign billboards, branding vehicles, or deploying other promotional materials across the state.
ADC Condemns Fee As “Anti-Democratic”
Reacting to the development, ADC Chairman for Igbo-Eze South and Chairman of Chairmen in Enugu North Senatorial Zone, Comrade Ugwu Izuchukwu, described the policy as a “draconian measure” designed to suppress opposition voices.
Speaking to SaharaReporters, Izuchukwu accused the administration of Peter Mbah of attempting to dominate the political space using state power and financial barriers.
According to him, the hefty fee is intended to discourage opposition participation and tilt the political playing field in favor of the ruling government ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
“You cannot impose ₦150 million on political parties just to campaign or brand vehicles. It is anti-democratic and aimed at scaring opposition parties away,” he stated.
Izuchukwu insisted the ADC would challenge the directive in court, stressing that opposition parties would not be intimidated or forced out of the democratic process.
Government Defends Policy
Meanwhile, ENSSAA’s General Manager, Francis Aninwike, defended the permit fee during a management meeting, stating that it was introduced to maintain environmental orderliness and visual standards across the state.
He also dismissed allegations of bias, noting that the regulation would apply equally to all candidates, including those from the ruling party.
Rising Political Tension
Despite the agency’s assurances, opposition parties maintain that the move is a calculated strategy to weaken political competition ahead of the crucial 2027 elections.
Political observers say the looming court battle could become a major legal test on campaign regulations and fairness in Nigeria’s electoral process.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments on this story.
