NYCN South-East Frowns At High Cost Of Out-Door-Adverts

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), South-East Zone, has demanded a level playing field for all political parties and candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The council raised alarm over alleged billboard and outdoor advertising charges running into hundreds of millions of naira in some South-East states.

THE WHISTLER reports that some states in South-East pegged their charge for billboard adverts around ₦150 million.

The Vice President of NYCN South-East, Comr Atigwe Ifeanyi, in a release, warned that such fees could price young and less wealthy candidates out of the race.

According to him, “If candidates must pay extraordinary sums before displaying campaign materials, democracy risks becoming the preserve of the financially powerful.”

Atigwe urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC; the federal government, security agencies and state authorities to investigate the allegations and ensure that regulations or administrative charges are not used to suppress political participation.

NYCN condemned alleged intimidation, harassment, obstruction and attacks against opposition parties, candidates, supporters and campaign structures.

“It is unacceptable for opposition parties to be denied access to public schools, government premises and other public facilities while ruling parties allegedly enjoy unrestricted use of them,” the group said.

Atigwe insisted that government facilities should not become tools of political victimisation, and called for equal treatment of all parties and candidates, regardless of political affiliation. He further called on INEC to strengthen monitoring, enforce electoral guidelines and sanction anyone who obstructs lawful campaigning.

The council warned that electoral violations must be tackled before election day, stressing that a credible election depends on a fair campaign environment.

The group charged INEC to create and regularly update an accessible database containing the names, photographs, parties and other details of duly nominated candidates across the South-East.

It said the database would help voters identify candidates and reduce the advantage enjoyed by those able to afford expensive billboard campaigns.

While acknowledging the need to regulate outdoor advertising, Atigwe said such regulation must be reasonable, transparent, non-discriminatory and uniformly applied.

The council appealed to governors and relevant authorities in the five South-East states to review what it described as excessive campaign advertising charges. It warned that the cost of political participation must not shut out credible candidates, especially young Nigerians. Subscribing To Political News Outlets

The NYCN also urged parties, candidates and supporters to reject violence, intimidation, destruction of campaign materials and attacks on opponents.

Atigwe called on young people to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), study the candidates and their programmes, and participate peacefully in the 2027 elections.

He urged youths to use their votes to demand accountability, development, jobs, security and quality education while rejecting inducement and intimidation.

“Defending democracy does not mean resorting to violence. We must defend our votes through lawful and constitutional means—by staying vigilant, documenting irregularities and using the proper institutions and courts,” he said.

The group called on INEC, the Federal Government, the police, DSS, military, state governments and other stakeholders to guarantee a credible and inclusive electoral process.

“The youths of the South-East are watching. We are ready to participate. We are ready to vote. We are ready to defend democracy through lawful means,” Atigwe declared.