The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has struck out the N150 million campaign billboard fine imposed on political parties in Enugu State, in a significant legal victory for opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In its judgment delivered on Thursday, October 8, 2026, the court held that the enforcement of the disputed financial imposition on political parties should be suspended until after the conclusion of the 2026/2027 general elections. The court described the levy as unfair and inconsistent with the principles of free and fair political participation.
The suit was instituted by a coalition of opposition parties challenging the policy of the Enugu State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency (ENSSAA), which requires political parties to pay substantial fees before erecting campaign billboards and displaying political posters across the state.
The plaintiffs argued that the policy was unconstitutional, financially burdensome and designed to undermine opposition parties by imposing excessive costs on their political campaigns. They maintained that such requirements could restrict political participation and create an uneven playing field during the electoral process.
The originating summons, dated June 15, 2026, was jointly filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Social Democratic Party (SDP), alongside their respective state chairmen. The plaintiffs were represented by their counsel, Barrister Ike Ozor.
The defendants in the suit included ENSSAA, its General Manager, Mr. Francis Aninwike, the Enugu State House of Assembly, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and the Nigeria Police Force.
The plaintiffs had asked the court to determine whether ENSSAA and the Enugu State Government, under Governor Peter Mbah, possessed the legal authority to impose what they described as exorbitant fees on political parties for campaign advertisements, including billboards and posters.
While acknowledging the statutory mandate of ENSSAA to regulate outdoor advertising and signage, the court held that the enforcement of the disputed financial charges should not take effect before the conclusion of the 2026/2027 general elections.
The ruling is expected to provide relief to opposition parties in Enugu State by removing the immediate financial burden associated with campaign billboards and posters during the electoral period. It also underscores the importance of ensuring that regulatory measures do not create undue obstacles to political competition and democratic participation.
