As the campaign season for the upcoming Anambra State gubernatorial election gears up for November 8, 2025, the state government has announced a mandatory permit fee of ₦50 million for candidates wishing to engage in outdoor campaign activities.
This measure was revealed during a press conference held on Wednesday by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA), Mr. Tony Odili Ujubuoñu at the agency’s headquarters in Awka.
Ujubuoñu outlined that the ₦50 million fee serves as a statutory requirement aimed at regulating outdoor advertising and ensuring compliance with established guidelines for campaign-related activities statewide.
He emphasised that this permit must be obtained before any campaign activities can commence, including public rallies and the deployment of campaign materials such as posters, banners, branded vehicles, T-shirts, caps, handbills, and more.
“The purpose of this permit is to ensure orderliness, prevent visual pollution, create a level playing ground for all candidates, and maintain professional standards in using public advertising and promotion spaces,” Ujubuoñu explained, underscoring that this initiative is also designed to protect public infrastructure across the state’s 21 local government areas.
The permit fee is payable directly to the Anambra State government account, and Ujubuoñu reminded attendees that failing to comply with this requirement would result in the removal of any non-compliant campaign materials and potential legal repercussions.
He also stated that only practitioners registered and licensed by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) are authorised to erect and manage campaign structures in accordance with ANSAA regulations.
“Political parties and candidates are urged to collaborate with ARCON-registered practitioners to avoid sanctions or removal of unapproved materials,” he advised, reiterating ANSAA’s role in regulating and licensing all out-of-home advertising in the state.
In a plea for decorum and fairness during the campaign period, Ujubuoñu expressed hope that the peaceful conduct observed during the recent primary elections would continue.
He urged political parties and their supporters to respect each other’s advertising spaces and to avoid defacing opponents’ materials, describing such actions as undemocratic and punishable under electoral laws.
In response to questions about the necessity of the ₦50 million fee, Ujubuoñu justified the decision by citing the economic realities and operational costs associated with the comprehensive monitoring and coordination required for managing numerous campaign materials simultaneously throughout the state.
He highlighted the need for the agency to undertake post-election clean-up efforts related to campaign materials, further justifying the fee.
Ujubuoñu noted that compliance with these guidelines is essential for all candidates, including the incumbent Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, affirming that even he adheres to the required processes for campaign advertisements.
He added that as the campaign season unfolds, ANSAA aims to foster an environment of professionalism and integrity in the political process, appealing to all stakeholders to uphold the principles of democracy and civil responsibility in the lead-up to the gubernatorial election.
