{By TOBIAS EKIRIKA, Onitsha}
The Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA) has officially informed all political parties and candidates participating in the 2027 general elections that they must secure campaign permits from the agency before starting any outdoor promotional activities, including rallies, advertising materials, public address systems, and other outdoor promotions.
During a press conference in Awka on Friday, May 29, Engr Chika Ngobili, Assistant General Manager of ANSAA, emphasized that the aim is to maintain order, prevent visual clutter, protect public infrastructure, uphold professional standards, ensure fairness in advertising space access, and effectively coordinate campaign-related outdoor events throughout the state.
He provided the approved permit fees for different electoral categories: N50 million for Presidential candidates; N20 million for Senatorial candidates; N5 million for House of Representatives candidates; N1.5 million for House of Assembly candidates; N2.5 million for Chairmanship candidates; and N100,000 for Councillorship candidates.
Ngobili explained that these permits allow candidates and political parties to utilize approved campaign materials and conduct activities within designated areas for their respective elections in Anambra.
He stated, “All outdoor display campaign materials from political parties, candidates, and support groups, as well as advertising agencies, must be reviewed and authorized by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) before being displayed.”
He further clarified that no individual, political party, candidate, or support group is permitted to set up billboards or advertisement structures in Anambra unless done through duly registered and licensed advertising practitioners recognized by ARCON and authorized by ANSAA.
He strongly encouraged all political parties and candidates to collaborate only with ARCON-registered practitioners and obtain the necessary approvals from ANSAA to avoid penalties, the removal of unauthorized materials, or other regulatory consequences.
Ngobili announced that ANSAA enforcement teams will oversee compliance throughout the campaign period, warning that individuals or groups who violate these guidelines will face sanctions under Anambra State laws.
He urged political parties, candidates, their supporters, and the general public to respect shared advertising and visual promotion spaces across the state and to avoid damaging, removing, or defacing the campaign materials of opponents, labeling such behavior as unacceptable, unlawful, and contrary to the spirit of peaceful democratic engagement.
