…Says directive anti-democratic, threat to free political participation
The Benue State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday condemned Governor Hyacinth Alia’s restriction purportedly imposed on political parties against the erection of campaign billboards and posting of posters for their candidates across the state using the State Environmental Sanitation Authority (BENSESA).
The party said the directive “Is a calculated attempt by Governor Alia’s administration to suppress political activities, intimidate opposition parties and undermine the democratic rights of citizens ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a widely circulated statement by the party’s spokesman, Mr Bright Yima Antyo, the PDP noted that while it supports the environmental sanitation agency and orderly urban development, “We reject any attempt to use a government agency as a political tool to frustrate legitimate political engagement and freedom of expression guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended)”.
It said that, “the timing of this directive raises serious questions about the motives of the state government. At a time when political parties are preparing to engage the electorate and present alternative visions for the future of Benue State, the state government has chosen to introduce bureaucratic obstacles capable of restricting political communication and public participation in the democratic process.
“The Constitution guarantees every Nigerian the rights to freedom of expression, freedom of association and political participation.
Similarly, the Electoral Act 2026 provides a framework for political campaigns and does not confer on state governments the power to arbitrarily impede lawful political activities through administrative fiat.
“PDP is particularly disturbed that the notice seeks to vest discretionary powers in BENSESA over the placement of campaign materials. Such powers can easily be abused to favour the ruling party while frustrating opposition candidates and parties. Democracy thrives on a level playing field, not on selective regulations designed to confer undue advantage on those in power.
“It is instructive that since the return of democratic governance in 1999, political parties across Benue State have freely communicated with voters through posters, banners and billboards subject only to reasonable regulations that do not infringe on constitutional rights. The directive by the Alia administration represents a dangerous departure from established democratic practice and must not be allowed to stand”.
PDP therefore called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to immediately reverse what it called the ill-advised directive and ensure that state institutions are not deployed to advance partisan political interests.
“We also call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organisations, the media, security agencies and all defenders of democracy to closely monitor developments in Benue State and resist every attempt to shrink the democratic space.
“Let it be known that democracy cannot flourish where opposition voices are silenced, intimidated or subjected to discriminatory restrictions. The PDP remains committed to defending the constitutional rights of all citizens and ensuring that the 2027 elections in Benue State are conducted in an atmosphere of fairness, openness and equal opportunity for all contestants”.
