The Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA) is intensifying its efforts to ensure compliance with the mandatory N50 million campaign permit fee for political parties participating in the upcoming November 8, 2025 governorship election. This fee grants parties the right to engage in various outdoor campaign activities, including erecting billboards, displaying posters, branding vehicles, and hoisting banners. As the election draws nearer, ANSAA has made it clear that adherence to this regulation is crucial for a fair and level playing field. The agency’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Tony Ujubuonu, addressed the media, highlighting the importance of compliance and outlining the consequences for defaulters. He also underscored the agency’s commitment to upholding its mandate through lawful means, emphasizing the necessity of a transparent and equitable electoral process.
Out of the sixteen registered political parties vying for the governorship, only five have complied with the mandatory fee as of July 2, 2025. These parties include the Young Progressives Party (YPP), the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Action Alliance (AA), the Labour Party (LP), and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Ujubuonu commended these parties for their adherence to the regulations, setting a positive example for others to follow. He contrasted their compliance with the actions of several other parties, particularly one major party, which he refrained from naming, that has persistently flouted ANSAA’s regulations despite repeated warnings. This unnamed party has engaged in unauthorized campaign activities, including erecting posters, branding vehicles, and even organizing rallies with promotional materials, all without obtaining the necessary permit.
Ujubuonu detailed an incident in Nri community, Aniocha Local Government Area, where ANSAA enforcement officers were allegedly obstructed and assaulted by supporters of the aforementioned party while attempting to carry out their duties. This incident followed two demand notices and a legal reminder issued to the party over a two-month period, each with stipulated compliance deadlines. The party eventually submitted a backdated letter on August 1, claiming a dispute over the fee, which ANSAA interpreted as a delaying tactic. While acknowledging receipt of the letter, Ujubuonu stated that its late submission rendered it ineffective. He affirmed that ANSAA has formally reported the assault to the police and will pursue all legal avenues to ensure compliance and maintain the integrity of its mandate.
The ANSAA Managing Director emphasized the agency’s commitment to creating a level playing field for all participating parties. He stressed that only those who abide by the rules will be recognized as credible contenders in the upcoming election. He called on the press and the public to witness ANSAA’s efforts to enforce compliance through all legal and administrative channels. While some parties have opted for alternative campaign platforms, such as social media, radio, and television, to avoid breaching out-of-home advertising laws, ANSAA considers these acceptable as long as they remain within legal boundaries.
Chika Ngobiri, ANSAA’s Assistant General Manager, corroborated Ujubuonu’s account, providing further details about the incident in Nri. He recounted how his team narrowly escaped an attack by supporters of the non-compliant party while attempting to enforce regulations. This firsthand account underscores the challenges faced by ANSAA officials in ensuring adherence to the campaign advertising rules and the potential risks involved in upholding the agency’s mandate. The incident highlights the importance of cooperation from political parties and their supporters in maintaining a peaceful and orderly electoral process.
The Anambra State governorship election of 2025 is shaping up to be a contest not just of political ideologies but also of adherence to regulations. ANSAA’s proactive approach in enforcing the campaign permit fee aims to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process. The agency’s actions send a clear message to all participating parties that compliance with regulations is not optional but a necessary requirement for a credible and legitimate campaign. The coming months will reveal whether all parties heed this message and contribute to a level playing field, allowing the electorate to make informed decisions based on the merits of the candidates and their platforms, rather than on the scale of their unauthorized advertising.
