Chinedum Elekwachi
George Moghalu Campaign Organisation (GMCO) has condemned what it termed outrageous and undemocratic imposition of a N50 million campaign billboard fee by the Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA).
Director, Media and Publicity, Dr. Ikenna Agu in a statement on Thursday said the draconian and illegal” directive is a well-calculated attempt to muzzle opposition voices, entrench tyranny and commercialize democracy to serve the narrow interests of the ruling party.
According to him, The ANSAA’s action which demands an extortionist N50 million from each of the 16 governorship candidates before they could legally advertise their campaigns, was a shameful assault on the fundamental democratic principles of fairness, inclusivity, and equal opportunity.
He called for the intervention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), civil society organisations, and international community to hold government accountable for such abuse of power.
The statement reads in part, “The George Moghalu Campaign states categorically: Anambra is not for sale! No candidate should be coerced into paying such a prohibitive and baseless sum in order to reach the electorate.
“This fee is not only anti-democratic but also unconstitutional, as it seeks to arbitrarily restrict political participation to only the wealthy or those with access to state coffers.
Fear of credible opposition
The statement says the desperate move by the Soludo-led administration reeks of panic and fear of credible opposition.
“Rather than engage in open, issue-based campaigns, the government has chosen to weaponize state institutions to silence dissent and distort the playing field.
“This amounts to state-sponsored political intimidation, and it will not stand.
“We are alarmed that at a time when Anambra people are yearning for open debates, robust dialogue, and the free flow of campaign messages from all candidates, the government is instead erecting financial barriers to free speech and fair campaigning.
“This illegal levy is a direct attack on our democracy and must be resisted by all well-meaning Anambrarians and lovers of freedom.
It warns Soludo’s administration against using state power to gag other candidates. “They cannot use financial roadblocks to eliminate competition. They cannot hold democracy hostage in Anambra State.
“We demand the immediate reversal of this oppressive directive. If the Soludo government has any respect for democratic values, it should allow all candidates to access campaign infrastructure on an equal and affordable basis, as guaranteed under our electoral laws and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The George Moghalu Campaign Organisation calls on INEC, the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), civil society organisations, and international community to intervene swiftly and hold Governor Soludo’s government accountable for this abuse of power.
“We also urge the other political parties and candidates not to be intimidated. The destiny of Anambra is greater than one man’s desire to cling to power through undemocratic means.
“We will continue to engage the people of Anambra with our message of hope, good governance, and development—whether or not we are granted permission by a repressive agency.
“The battle for Anambra’s soul has begun and we shall not bow to tyranny.”
