Criticism Trails Edo Agency’s Removal Of Obi, Kwankwaso Billboard

The Edo State Signage and Advertising Regulatory Agency (EDSARA) has removed campaign materials bearing the images of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidates, Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, from a billboard at Stadium Road Junction, on Ekenwan Road, Benin City.

The development has sparked controversy between the agency and the opposition party, with the NDC candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, Hon. Frank Uyi Omosigho, condemning the action.

It was gathered that officials of the agency had earlier attempted to remove the campaign materials from the billboard but were reportedly stopped by residents who resisted them.

The agency’s task force allegedly returned to the location on Wednesday in three Sienna vehicles and removed the materials.

Reacting to the development, Omosigho, who is also the member representing Oredo East Constituency in Edo State House of Assembly, described the incident as an escalation of what he alleged was a recurring pattern of attacks on NDC campaign materials in the area.

He questioned why the agency’s officials returned to the location after the residents had earlier stopped them.
He said the billboard prominently displayed the party’s presidential candidate and his running mate and was situated in a public area where political parties should be allowed to communicate their messages to voters, subject to existing regulations.

Omosigho alleged that the incident was part of a wider pattern involving the destruction of his campaign billboards and posters at different locations within Oredo.

He further alleged that his campaign office had also come under attack, expressing concern that such incidents could undermine peaceful political participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The lawmaker said political contests should be centred on ideas, programmes, competence and the ability of candidates to win the confidence of the electorate, rather than the destruction of campaign materials belonging to opponents.

“We are not afraid of any political contest. If there are concerns about the location or regulation of a billboard, there are lawful procedures for addressing such concerns.

“The answer cannot be repeated destruction of campaign materials belonging to an opposition party,” he said.

Omosigho, however, appealed to his supporters and residents of Oredo to remain calm and refrain from actions that could provoke confrontation.

But an official of EDSARA, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly on the matter, said the campaign materials were removed because their owners had not regularised their placement with the agency.

The official advised the affected party to approach the agency’s office to resolve the issue and comply with the relevant regulatory requirements.

The agency’s position suggests that the removal was based on regulatory compliance rather than political considerations.