The Enugu State Government has warned political parties, candidates and their supporters against pasting or displaying campaign posters anywhere across the state, with violators facing a fine of up to N50 million.
Politics Nigeria reports that the warning was issued by the Enugu State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency, ENSSAA, on Wednesday, ahead of the September 26 local government elections and the 2027 general elections.
ENSSAA said the prohibition covers political posters as well as other forms of posters.
It warned that nobody is allowed to paste, attach or display such materials on public or private property without approval under the state’s applicable signage regulations.
The agency’s position was contained in a public notice signed by its General Manager, Hon. Francis Aninwike.
The agency said the directive was based on the Enugu State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency Law No. 12 of 2016. It specifically cited Sections 4(1)(g), 33 and 34(4)(9) as the legal provisions supporting its authority to regulate outdoor advertising and the display of posters across the state.
“The ban on the display and pasting of posters remains in force across Enugu State,” ENSSAA stated.
The agency explained that the ban was not introduced specifically for the coming elections.
Rather, it applies generally to posters of all descriptions.
However, it decided to draw particular attention to political posters because of the expected increase in campaign activities as the elections approach.
Political parties, governorship and legislative aspirants, candidates, campaign groups and their supporters have increasingly turned to different forms of publicity as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
ENSSAA said political posters carrying the names, photographs, logos, slogans and campaign messages of candidates and political parties are covered by the existing restriction.
“Accordingly, political parties, candidates, aspirants, campaign organisations and their supporters are reminded that posters bearing their names, photographs, logos, messages, slogans or other campaign materials are equally covered by the ban,” the agency said.
The restriction extends to several locations commonly used for political publicity.
According to the agency, posters must not be placed on buildings, walls, fences, bridges, electricity poles, road infrastructure, public facilities or any other public or private surface within the state.
“No person, political party, candidate, aspirant, campaign organisation or supporter is permitted to paste, affix or display posters on buildings, walls, fences, bridges, electricity poles, road infrastructure, public facilities or any other public or private surface or space within Enugu State,” it said.
ENSSAA said the indiscriminate placement of posters has continued to affect the appearance of towns and cities. It maintained that the practice also leads to the defacement of private property and public infrastructure.
The agency said the restriction was necessary to protect the environmental and aesthetic quality of communities across Enugu.
It further warned printing companies and operators involved in producing campaign materials that they could also face sanctions if their activities are linked to violations of the directive.
“Where any such poster is traced to a printer, the printer may be subject to investigation and appropriate sanctions where its involvement in the violation is established in accordance with the law,” the notice stated.
ENSSAA also reminded residents and political actors that the punishment for violating the poster restriction could be severe.
It said anyone found guilty of unlawful pasting or display of posters could be liable to a fine of up to N50 million, in addition to other penalties provided under the relevant laws and regulations.
The agency urged political parties and candidates to explore other approved channels for reaching voters.
It listed radio, television, newspapers, digital and social media platforms, as well as authorised billboards, among the available alternatives for campaign publicity.
ENSSAA stressed that enforcement of the ban would not be based on political affiliation.
It said the directive applies to all individuals, political parties, candidates, aspirants, organisations and supporters.
The agency therefore called on political actors to comply with the regulations rather than wait for enforcement action.
“The ban remains in force. All are hereby advised to comply accordingly,” ENSSAA said.
The latest directive also comes months after controversy over campaign advertising regulations in Enugu State.
Recall in February 2026, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, rejected a reported N150 million election advertising permit fee imposed by the state government and threatened legal action over the requirement.
The party argued that the fee could place opposition parties at a disadvantage during the election period.