2027: ADC urges Zamfara govt to review campaign permit fees

The Zamfara chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the state government to review what it described as exorbitant political campaign permit fees.

The state ADC Chairman, Kabiru Garba, stated this in a statement issued in Gusau on Saturday.

Garba called for an immediate review of the process to ensure transparency.

“The state ADC leadership has noted the letter dated Sept. 25, issued by the Zamfara Urban and Regional Planning Board (ZUREPB), containing the approved rules and permit fees for political campaign activities in Zamfara for the 2027 general elections.”

“The ADC recognises the legitimate responsibility of government to regulate the use of public spaces, protect public infrastructure, maintain environmental sanitation, manage traffic and ensure that political activities are conducted peacefully and orderly,” he said.

According to him, the ADC leadership is seriously concerned about the scale and nature of the stated permit fees, particularly where such charges could create an unnecessary financial barrier to lawful political participation and democratic engagement.

“We consider these provisions deserving of urgent review, clarification and consultation with political parties and other stakeholders.

“The ADC therefore respectfully appeals to the Zamfara Government to consider our call for immediate review of the campaign permit fees in order to ensure justice and fairness,” the chairman added.

He noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had issued the official framework for the 2027 electoral process, including provisions governing political party activities and campaigns.

“The INEC’s current regulations also contain specific provisions on the procedure, audience, period, venue and conduct of political campaigns.

“Political parties are essential institutions of democracy; they provide platforms through which citizens organise, present candidates, communicate policies and seek the mandate of the people.

“We recognise the need to regulate posters and billboards, rallies and processions, road shows, use of public spaces, traffic management, environmental protection and protection of public infrastructure,” he explained.

He, however, observed that such regulation should be lawful, proportionate, transparent, affordable and applied equally to all political parties and candidates.

“We therefore call on the authorities concerned to review the fees with a view to establishing reasonable, proportionate and affordable charges where legitimate regulation is required,” he pleaded.

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