2027: ADC Urges State Govt to Review Campaign Permit Fees

The Zamfara State chapter of the African Democratic Congress has called on the state government to review the fees required for political campaign permits, describing the charges as excessive and capable of limiting participation in the 2027 elections.

The state ADC Chairman, Kabiru Garba, made the call in a statement issued in Gusau on Saturday.

Garba said the party had noted a September 25 letter from the Zamfara Urban and Regional Planning Board containing rules and approved fees for political campaign activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He acknowledged the state government’s responsibility to regulate political activities in public spaces, protect public infrastructure, maintain environmental sanitation, manage traffic, and ensure campaigns are conducted peacefully.

However, the ADC chairman said the party was concerned about the level and nature of the fees contained in the guidelines, particularly where the charges could place an additional financial burden on political parties and candidates seeking to participate in lawful political activities.

Garba called for an immediate review of the fees, as well as greater clarification and consultation with political parties and other relevant stakeholders.

He said the review should be aimed at ensuring fairness and transparency in the administration of campaign permits across the state.

The ADC chairman also referred to the electoral framework issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission for the 2027 elections, noting that it contains provisions governing political party activities and campaigns.

According to him, INEC’s regulations cover issues including the timing, venue, procedure, audience and conduct of political campaigns.

Garba said political parties play an important role in a democratic system by providing platforms for citizens to organise, field candidates, communicate their policies and seek electoral mandates.

He acknowledged that some campaign activities require regulation, including the placement of posters and billboards, rallies and processions, road shows, the use of public spaces, traffic control, environmental protection and the safeguarding of public infrastructure.

However, he argued that such regulations should be lawful, proportionate, transparent and affordable, while being applied fairly to all political parties and candidates.

The ADC therefore urged the Zamfara authorities to reconsider the existing campaign permit fees and establish charges that would allow legitimate political activities to take place without creating unnecessary financial barriers to participation in the 2027 electoral process.