The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ogugu State Constituency in Kogi State, Michael Samuel Idoko, has rejected the N5 million campaign signage levy imposed on State House of Assembly candidates by the state government.

Idoko described the levy as anti-democratic and anti-people, arguing that imposing such a financial burden on candidates would further increase the cost of political participation and discourage young people, women and grassroots politicians from seeking elective office.

The PDP candidate was reacting to the announcement by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, that House of Assembly candidates would pay N5 million for billboards and other campaign materials ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The State Government had fixed N150 million as the official fee payable by presidential candidates for the placement of campaign billboards, posters and other promotional materials across the state.

The government also approved N50 million for senatorial candidates, N30 million for House of Representatives candidates and N5 million for State House of Assembly candidates.

Idoko questioned the justification for the levy, insisting that billboards do not determine electoral outcomes.

“If Kogi State were not unfortunate to be governed by leaders who appear disconnected from the suffering of the people, what makes a commercial billboard different from a political billboard? How exactly does a billboard win votes?” he asked.

According to him, elections are won through grassroots engagement, credibility, service and the trust of voters rather than the number or size of campaign billboards erected by candidates.

“History has repeatedly shown that many candidates have won elections without erecting a single billboard. Votes come from the hearts of the people, not from painted metal structures,” he said.

Idoko said the N5 million demanded from an Assembly candidate could be better deployed to address pressing needs within the constituency.

“With N5 million, I can pay school fees for indigent students, support widows, empower struggling youths through small businesses, provide medical assistance for vulnerable families and improve community welfare in Ogugu,” he said.

He argued that requiring candidates to spend millions of naira on campaign signage while many residents struggle to afford food, healthcare and transportation was unjustifiable.

The PDP candidate also rejected the argument that the levy was primarily designed to generate revenue and regulate political advertising.

“Government exists to create opportunities for citizens, not to turn democracy into a revenue-generating venture. This policy sends a dangerous message that participation in politics is reserved for the wealthy,” he said.

He warned that excessive financial requirements could make elective office inaccessible to ordinary citizens and undermine democratic participation.

Idoko also challenged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration in Kogi State to explain how the billboard levy aligns with its claims of being a people-oriented government.

“A government that truly believes in the people would reduce the cost of political participation, not increase it,” he stated.

He called on civil society organisations,
political parties, youth groups and other stakeholders to oppose what he described as an excessive financial burden on candidates.

Idoko further urged the state government to review the policy and adopt a more affordable framework for political advertising.

“Kogi people need jobs, roads, healthcare, education and economic relief, not outrageous billboard charges. Democracy should never become a luxury reserved for a privileged few,” he said.

The Ogugu PDP candidate said his campaign would focus on direct engagement with constituents and practical issues affecting their lives rather than expensive signage.

“My campaign will be built on service, accessibility and the confidence of the people, not on the size of my billboards,” Idoko added.