KOSSAA Warns Against Destruction of Political Billboards in Kogi

The Kogi State Signage and Advertisement Agency (KOSSAA) has warned political parties, candidates and their supporters against the destruction, defacement or vandalisation of campaign billboards, posters and other political materials across the state.

The agency said such acts could heighten political tension and undermine peaceful participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The General Manager of KOSSAA, Hon. Richard Osaseyi, issued the warning amid renewed reports of attacks on political campaign materials and allegations of intimidation involving supporters of different political tendencies in the state.

Osaseyi said political disagreements should not degenerate into vandalism, intimidation or violence, urging political actors to respect the right of rival parties and candidates to campaign peacefully.

The warning followed at least two reported incidents within the past week involving political campaign activities in Kogi.

On October 3, 2026, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) reported that its Kogi West Senatorial candidate and Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency candidate were allegedly attacked during political activities at Gegu-Beki, Koton Karfe.

According to the ADC State Chairman, Hon. Tom Zakari, campaign vehicles and materials were destroyed during the incident, with suspected APC sympathisers allegedly responsible.

The allegation has not been independently established. Zakari called on the police and other security agencies to investigate the incident.

In a separate development, the group De-Group Kogi West O’Clock alleged that some of its delegates were intimidated and supporters’ banners destroyed during a power-rotation summit in Lokoja.

The group’s spokesman, Barr. Shaba Ibrahim, said the delegates attended the summit to promote peace but allegedly encountered harassment.

The Dankwo Development Forum also reportedly alleged that banners belonging to supporters of power rotation were destroyed by suspected thugs.

Against this backdrop, KOSSAA said political campaigns must be conducted within the bounds of the law, stressing that political differences do not justify the destruction of another party’s legally displayed campaign materials.

The agency’s position is also in line with previous warnings from electoral and security authorities against violence and the destruction of campaign materials.

In 2024, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, cautioned political actors against violent attacks and the mutual destruction of campaign materials, noting that such actions violate provisions governing political campaigns and urging security agencies to enforce the law.

The Nigeria Police Force has similarly warned that the destruction of campaign posters and billboards is a criminal act and that those found responsible could face arrest and prosecution.

KOSSAA therefore urged political parties, candidates, campaign organisations and their supporters to embrace issue-based campaigns, respect opposing viewpoints and allow every lawful political voice to be heard.

The agency also called on relevant security authorities to investigate reported incidents objectively and identify those responsible where evidence establishes culpability.

It further urged that perpetrators, regardless of political affiliation, should be brought to justice.

KOSSAA’s warning comes as political activity intensifies in Kogi ahead of the 2027 elections, with campaign billboards, posters and other political advertisements becoming increasingly visible across the state.

The agency has previously stated that it is responsible for regulating outdoor advertising and enforcing applicable signage requirements in Kogi.

The message from the signage regulator is that political competition is legitimate, but the destruction of opponents’ campaign materials is not.

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