Kwara State Signage and Advertisement Agency (KWASAA) and Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria ARCON have tasked political parties and political actors to secure necessary approvals for political jingles and billboards as 2027 general elections approach.
Speaking with journalists in Ilorin on Tuesday, the KWASAA general manager, Mr. Toba Adeyeye, said that the agency would remove offensive billboards, posters and prosecute erring offenders as electioneering campaign approaches, adding that approval from the regulatory bodies is necessary to restore sanity in the industry.
The KWASAA boss said that the agency’s responsibility goes beyond revenue generation, noting that it is committed to public safety, environmental aesthetics and compliance with the law.
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Mr. Adeyeye expressed concern over the possible proliferation of unauthorised campaign materials ahead of the 2027 elections and urged stakeholders to operate within the established regulatory framework.
He said that KWASAA is strengthening regulation of political advertising ahead of the 2027 general elections, adding that a planned stakeholders’ engagement is aimed at creating a common understanding of the rules guiding political campaigns and the use of public spaces for advertising.
He said the forum would also clarify requirements for permits, billboards, signage and other forms of political communication.
Also speaking, ARCON Zonal Coordinator, Ilorin Office, Mr. Abdurasaq Yusuf, reminded political parties and candidates that political advertisements must be vetted and approved before being exposed to the public.
Mr. Yusuf said ARCON regulates the content of advertisements to ensure that political messages are legal, honest and truthful.
He explained that while approval may be required for the location of an advertisement, ARCON is responsible for vetting its content.
Mr. Yusuf warned against misleading claims and unjustified portrayals of political candidates, adding that ARCON has introduced accelerated vetting options of four, eight and sixteen hours, alongside its normal approval process.
He urged political advertisers to obtain the required approval before displaying campaign materials.