Politicians representing opposition parties in Imo State have expressed their concerns regarding the alleged imposition of a N54 million fee by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration of Governor Hope Uzodinma. The fee is said to be required for obtaining permission to campaign for the forthcoming November 11 governorship election in the state.
Chief Uchendu Ahaneku, the State Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC-G12) in Imo State, spoke on behalf of the opposition parties in Owerri. He described the policy as obnoxious and a violation of Nigeria’s Electoral Act and constitution.
The opposition parties view this move as an attempt by the state government to stifle their voices and ensure the dominance of the APC in the state.
The IPAC-G12 is a coalition of all 12 political parties in Imo State.
According to a document allegedly obtained from the Imo Signage and Advertisement Agency (IMSAA), candidates are required to pay a permit fee of N54 million before erecting campaign structures such as billboards, posters, and other campaign materials. Additionally, candidates are also expected to pay N100,000 for the form/processing charge, N50,000 for site inspection, and N150,000 as an approval fee, as stated in the document titled “Schedule of Rates and Terms for Political Advertising and Ancillary Signage Displays in Imo State for Gubernatorial Campaigns 2023.”
Furthermore, the document specifies that even after the fees have been paid, IMSAA reserves the right to reject clearance for the construction of campaign structures.
Ahaneku condemned this approach as offensive and a direct violation of Nigeria’s electoral laws and constitution.
In the event that the state government fails to reverse this decision, Ahaneku affirmed that the IPAC-G12 would not hesitate to take legal action against them. He pleaded with Governor Uzodinma to intervene and call the agency to order.
He expressed dismay that such a move against opposition parties has never been witnessed in the history of the state.
