The Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Lagos State chapter, has called for strict and uniform enforcement of electoral laws across the country, saying political parties and candidates must be allowed to participate in the 2027 elections without discrimination or unlawful obstruction.
The party made the call while reacting to the reported suit filed by Oyo State Governor and APM presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, and the APM against the Abia State Government, Governor Alex Otti and other relevant authorities over an alleged ₦200 million fee imposed on presidential candidates seeking to display campaign billboards in the state.
In a statement signed by its Lagos State Publicity Secretary, Ayodele Kazeem Olalekan, the party said the Abia case raised questions about the relationship between state regulatory powers over outdoor advertising and the federal legal framework governing political campaigns.
APM Lagos cited Section 99(2) of the Electoral Act 2026, which prohibits the use of state apparatus to the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidate. Section 99(1) also requires candidates and their parties to campaign in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The party further pointed to Section 92 of the Act, which places the maximum election expenditure for a presidential candidate at ₦10 billion, arguing that substantial campaign-related regulatory charges should be examined within the broader framework of the electoral law.
According to APM Lagos, state governments have legitimate responsibilities to regulate signage and outdoor advertising, but such powers should be exercised transparently and consistently with the Constitution and federal electoral legislation.
The party also referred to Section 95 of the Electoral Act, which provides for the peaceful conduct of political rallies and processions and states that registered political parties, aspirants and candidates should not be prevented from holding rallies, processions or meetings for constitutional political purposes.
Turning to Lagos, the party expressed concern over reports alleging that individuals described as thugs had been tearing down or defacing opposition campaign posters and materials in parts of the state.
It also referred to allegations that some persons identified as Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASSA) workers may have been involved in, or assisted with, the removal or destruction of opposition campaign materials.
The party stressed that the allegations had not been established and that no individual or government agency should be accused of criminal conduct without due process.
It nevertheless urged relevant authorities to investigate credible complaints and take appropriate action if evidence establishes that public officials, government personnel or private individuals unlawfully removed, destroyed or defaced the campaign materials of opposition parties.
APM Lagos cited Section 97 of the Electoral Act, which prohibits threats of force or violence during political campaigns.
The party called on the Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Police Command, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), INEC and other relevant authorities to investigate credible complaints concerning the destruction or defacement of political campaign materials.
It also urged the Lagos State Government and agencies responsible for signage and outdoor advertising to ensure that their regulations are enforced uniformly and transparently, without partisan discrimination.
“The issue is not whether government agencies should regulate outdoor advertising. They have legitimate regulatory responsibilities. The issue is whether those powers are being exercised consistently with the Constitution and the Electoral Act and without giving any political party an unlawful advantage over another,” the statement said.
APM Lagos said it would respect the courts’ authority to determine the legal questions arising from the Abia case, while urging authorities to ensure that all legally recognised political parties have the opportunity to communicate with voters and participate peacefully in the 2027 electoral process.
The party said a level playing field should be treated as a requirement of the democratic process rather than a favour to any political organisation.
