By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh

Opposition parties allege unequal access to advertising spaces as high charges and regulatory restrictions affect political mobilisation across the region.

Political activities ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections are progressing at different speeds across Northern Nigeria, with disputes over campaign billboards, high advertising costs, government regulations and internal party disagreements influencing the visibility of candidates.

A report by Daily Report Nigeria, citing Vanguard, indicates that states such as Kaduna, Nasarawa, Sokoto, Taraba and Katsina are witnessing increased political mobilisation, while activities remain relatively subdued in Kebbi, Benue, Kano and Borno.

Niger State has become a major focus of controversy, as opposition parties accuse the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of restricting their access to strategic locations for campaign advertisements.

The state chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hassan Musa, alleged that his party was prevented from erecting a billboard in Paiko despite securing the necessary approvals. He expressed concern that the development could undermine fair political competition.

Similarly, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Mohammed Mamman Nami claimed that his posters and banners were removed following his criticism of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s administration.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has also raised concerns over campaign materials, with its senatorial candidate, Muhammed Rabiu Sadiq, reporting that his billboard in Bida had been marked for removal. The APC, however, has also alleged that some disgruntled members and supporters were responsible for vandalising its campaign materials.

Regulatory Restrictions Trigger Disagreements

In Plateau State, the Jos Metropolitan Development Board has warned political parties against displaying posters and campaign advertisements on public infrastructure without the required authorisation.

The board maintained that political advertisements must comply with established regulations and be placed only in approved locations. Reported penalties for violations include a fine of ₦500,000.

Kwara State has also witnessed disagreements following the removal of some billboards belonging to PDP governorship candidate Suleiman Bolakale Kawu.

The Kwara State Signage and Advertisement Agency said the affected displays violated advertising, environmental and public infrastructure regulations.

However, the agency’s General Manager, Toba Adeyeye, rejected suggestions that the action was politically motivated, insisting that its rules applied to all parties and candidates. Kawu’s camp, on the other hand, alleged that the removal would weaken the opposition’s visibility.

Political Mobilisation Varies Across States

In Zamfara State, the APC and opposition candidates have commenced political activities, although billboard and poster displays remain limited in Gusau. Kebbi State has recorded relatively little public campaign activity as political parties prepare to launch their programmes.

Adamawa has witnessed increased grassroots engagement, with candidates signing a peace accord to promote peaceful electioneering. Nevertheless, restrictions on campaign posters and banners have limited visible advertising.

Nasarawa is experiencing stronger political activity, as candidates of the APC, PDP and Social Democratic Party (SDP) engage supporters and publicise their programmes. Yobe has also recorded an increase in campaign materials and consultations with traditional rulers and community leaders.

In Kogi State, political support groups are organising town hall meetings and unveiling campaign materials. However, the high cost of outdoor advertising could limit the use of billboards, with reported charges ranging from ₦5 million for State House of Assembly candidates to ₦150 million for presidential candidates.

Bauchi is also witnessing rallies, ward-level visits, stakeholder meetings and door-to-door mobilisation by political parties.

Sokoto, Taraba and Katsina Record Increased Activity

Sokoto State is seeing more campaign posters and billboards, with the APC, ADC and NDC expanding their political presence across major streets. While the ruling party has established a visible presence, opposition parties are working to strengthen their grassroots structures.

In Taraba, candidates have embarked on ward-to-ward visits and consultations, while some governorship aspirants have received endorsements from community and socio-political organisations.

Katsina is witnessing intensified mobilisation by the APC and its support groups. Governor Dikko Umar Radda has pledged to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other party candidates through door-to-door campaigns.

Campaign vehicles and offices have reportedly been deployed across the state’s 34 local government areas as the party works to expand its reach among voters.

Kaduna Campaigns Gain Visibility as Kano Faces Internal Disputes

Kaduna State has emerged as one of the areas with substantial campaign visibility. Large APC billboards occupy several strategic locations, while ADC, PDP and NDC candidates have relied more heavily on posters displayed around walls, bridges and party offices.

PDP candidate Shehu Bawa alleged that some billboard owners in Kaduna North declined to display opposition campaign materials after asking prospective advertisers about their political affiliations.

In Kano State, however, political mobilisation remains relatively subdued amid leadership disagreements, court cases and changes involving party candidates.

The NDC is dealing with an internal leadership dispute over candidate changes, while the ADC faces a legal challenge concerning its governorship ticket. The PDP has also replaced its governorship candidate.

Although the APC has commenced grassroots mobilisation, the large-scale billboard competition commonly associated with Kano politics has yet to develop significantly.

Borno Opposition Parties Yet to Fully Mobilise

In Borno State, the APC launched its 2027 campaign in Maiduguri on September 27, while several opposition parties had yet to formally commence their campaigns as of the report.

Some candidates in Southern Borno have nevertheless started visiting traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders as part of their political consultations.

Equal Access to Campaign Spaces Remains a Concern

The varying levels of political activity across Northern Nigeria highlight the influence of party organisation, financial resources, advertising regulations and internal disagreements on the early stages of electioneering.

While some parties are expanding their visibility through billboards and posters, others are concentrating on grassroots engagement and stakeholder consultations.

Allegations of unequal access to advertising spaces have also raised questions about whether political parties can compete under fair conditions. The relevant claims remain allegations by the parties involved, while some regulatory agencies maintain that their actions are based on existing rules.

As preparations for the 2027 elections continue, the enforcement of advertising regulations, the cost of campaign publicity and the resolution of internal party disputes are likely to remain important issues shaping political activities across the region.