Opposition parties, united under the Inter Party Action Committee G12, are voicing strong opposition to what they perceive as an exorbitant and unjust demand by the Imo State government Signage and Advertisement Agency (IMSAA). The agency is requesting an astonishing sum of N54.5 million as a political campaign permit fee, which opposition governorship candidates must pay to display their campaign materials anywhere in the state.
The G12 comprises prominent political parties, including Accord Party (AP), Action Alliance (AA), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), All Progressives Party (APP), African Democratic Party (ADP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Young Progressives Party (YPP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
In addition to the exorbitant fee, the opposition leaders express deep concern that IMSAA seeks to exercise control over the areas where political campaign materials are allowed. This move is seen as an attempt to restrict their parties’ governorship candidates from effectively campaigning across the state.
At a recent press conference, Uchendu Ahaneku, the leader of G12 and state Chairman of AA, voiced his discontent, highlighting that such a demand was not made even during the 2023 presidential campaigns. The opposition parties view this as an unfair and unprecedented obstacle to their democratic right to campaign freely and engage with the electorate.
The G12 firmly rejects this condition set forth by IMSAA and warns that if Governor Hope Uzodimma fails to address the issue, they will be left with no choice but to challenge the obnoxious campaign permit requirement in the court of law. This stands as a firm declaration of their determination to uphold the principles of a democratic and equitable political process in the state.