The Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised the alarm over a directive restricting the erection of political billboards and display of campaign posters across the state, accusing Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration of using environmental regulations to stifle opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
The PDP described the directive issued by the Benue State Environmental Sanitation Authority (BENSESA) as “anti-democratic” and a potential threat to free political participation, alleging that it could be used to frustrate opposition parties while giving undue advantage to the ruling party.
In a statement issued by its State Publicity Secretary, Bright Yima Antyo, the party said it was not opposed to environmental sanitation or orderly development but rejected what it called an attempt to use a government agency to restrict legitimate political activities.
The party argued that freedom of expression, association and political participation are constitutionally protected rights, insisting that administrative regulations should not be deployed arbitrarily to limit lawful political engagement.
The PDP also questioned the timing of the BENSESA notice, saying it came as political parties were preparing to engage voters and present alternative programmes ahead of the 2027 polls.
It alleged that granting BENSESA discretionary powers over the placement of campaign materials could create room for selective enforcement and political discrimination.
“Democracy thrives on a level playing field, not on selective regulations designed to confer undue advantage on those in power,” the party said.
The opposition party recalled that since the return to democratic rule in 1999, political parties in Benue had used posters, banners and billboards to reach voters, subject to regulations governing public spaces.
It warned that the latest directive could represent a departure from what it described as the state’s established democratic practice.
The PDP therefore called on Governor Alia to immediately reverse the directive and ensure that state institutions remain politically neutral.
It also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organisations, media organisations, security agencies and other stakeholders to monitor the situation and intervene against any attempt to restrict political participation.
The party said it would continue to defend what it described as the constitutional rights of citizens and work toward ensuring that the 2027 elections in Benue are conducted in an atmosphere of fairness, openness and equal opportunity.
