Concerns have been raised by opposition parties in Imo over a N54m campaign permit

Imo State’s opposition political parties are complaining that the All Progressives Congress, APC-led administration of Governor Hope Uzodinma is charging them N54 million each just to campaign for the upcoming governorship election on November 11.

Owerri’s Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC-G12) Chairman Chief Uchendu Ahaneku blasted the policy as offensive and illegal in a speech delivered on behalf of Nigeria’s opposition parties.

They saw it as the state government’s attempt to stifle any potential growth of parties other than the APC.

The IPAC-G12 has representatives from all 12 of the state’s political parties.

A document presented to journalists purportedly from the Imo Signage and Advertisement Agency, IMSAA, and signed by its General Manager states that political parties need a permit and a payment of N54 million before erecting campaign structures like billboards, posters, and other campaign means.

According to a document titled “Schedule of Rates and Terms for Political Advertising and Ancillary Signage Displays in Imo State for Gubernatorial Campaigns 2023,” candidates were also required to pay N100,000 as a form/processing charge, N50,000 for a site inspection, and N150,000 as an approval fee.

The contract further stipulated that IMSAA retained the right to deny clearance for the construction of campaign structures even after payment had been received.

Ahaneku said that the tactic was insulting and illegal under Nigerian law.

He pleaded with Uzodimma to call the agency to order, saying that the IPAC-G12 would sue the state government without hesitation if it did not reverse the decision.

He lamented that no such action had ever been taken against the opposition parties since the establishment of the state.