Candidate of the Labour Party in the November 8 Anambra State governorship election George Moghalu has described the N50 million campaign billboard fee imposed by the Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA) on political parties and their candidates, as outrageous and undemocratic.
Moghalu in a statement by his campaign organisation, said it is a “calculated attempt to muzzle opposition voices, entrench tyranny, and commercialise our democracy to serve the narrow interests of the ruling party.”
The statement by Director, Media and Publicity of George Moghalu Campaign Organisation (GMCO), Dr. Ikenna Agu, said no candidate should be coerced into paying such a prohibitive and baseless sum in order to reach the electorate.
“This fee is not only anti-democratic but also unconstitutional, as it seeks to arbitrarily restrict political participation to only the wealthy or those with access to state coffers,” Moghalu said.
He accused the Governor Chukwuma Soludo-led administration of using state institutions to silence opposition and distort the playing field, rather than engaging in open and issue-based campaigns
“This amounts to state-sponsored political intimidation, and it will not stand.
“We are alarmed that at a time when Anambra people are yearning for open debates, robust dialogue, and the free flow of campaign messages from all candidates, the government is instead erecting financial barriers to free speech and fair campaigning.
“This illegal levy is a direct attack on our democracy and must be resisted by all well-meaning Anambrarians and lovers of freedom,” he added.
The candidate however said Governor Soludo and his agents cannot use state power to gag other candidates.
“They cannot use financial roadblocks to eliminate competition. They cannot hold democracy hostage in Anambra State,” he stated.
The LP candidate demanded immediate reversal of this oppressive directive, stating that if the Soludo government has any respect for democratic values, it should allow all candidates to access campaign infrastructure on an equal and affordable basis, as guaranteed under the electoral laws and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), civil society organisations, and the international community to intervene and hold Governor Soludo’s government accountable for this abuse of power.
“We also urge the other political parties and candidates not to be intimidated. The destiny of Anambra is greater than one man’s desire to cling to power through undemocratic means.
“We will continue to engage the people of Anambra with our message of hope, good governance, and development—whether or not we are granted permission by a repressive agency,” he added.
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