Opposition Drags Enugu Government To Court Over Controversial N150m Levy
A coalition of opposition parties in Enugu State has taken the state government and its advertising agency to court over a policy requiring political parties to pay ₦150 million before carrying out billboard and poster campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.
The parties argue that the fee is excessive and could limit political participation.
The case was filed at the Federal High Court in Enugu by the Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party, Nigeria Democratic Congress and Social Democratic Party, alongside their state chairmen.
They are challenging the powers of the state government and the Enugu State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency to impose such a charge on political campaigns.
The opposition parties maintain that election campaigns are regulated by the Independent National Electoral Commission, while advertising matters fall under federal authorities.
They contend that the state’s directive goes beyond its legal powers and should be declared invalid by the court.
The coalition is seeking an order stopping the enforcement of the levy and preventing any action that could be used to harass political parties.
The lawsuit comes as concerns grow over the use of state agencies in regulating campaign activities ahead of the next general election.
