The Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Enugu State, Godfrey Uche Nnaji, has accused the state government of removing campaign posters and other materials from his campaign office in Enugu, alleging that the action was carried out by officials of the Enugu State Environmental Protection Agency.
Nnaji said the incident occurred at his campaign office along Abakaliki Road, Enugu, where he alleged that officials of the agency pulled down posters and removed campaign materials displayed on the office, fence and surrounding areas.
The PDP candidate linked the action to the state’s regulations on political posters and outdoor advertising, which he said are currently being challenged in court.
He said a legal process had already been initiated over the signage policy, with a Motion on Notice served on the relevant parties and the matter awaiting hearing before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Nnaji therefore questioned the decision to remove the campaign materials while the legal challenge remains before the court. He argued that government agencies should allow the judicial process to run its course before taking further enforcement action.
The dispute centres on regulations introduced by the Enugu State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency, ENSSAA, for political advertising and campaign materials ahead of the 2026 local government and 2027 general elections.
In February, ENSSAA announced a mandatory N150 million advertising permit for political parties and candidates seeking to use various campaign materials and outdoor advertising platforms in the state. The agency said the permit covered activities and materials such as banners, branded vehicles, handbills, T-shirts, rallies and other forms of visual promotion.
The agency also warned that campaign materials displayed without the required approval could be removed and that violators could face legal sanctions. In September, ENSSAA separately reiterated its ban on the unauthorised display and pasting of political posters across the state, with penalties of up to N50 million for violations.
The N150 million permit requirement has faced opposition from political groups in the state. In June, several opposition parties reportedly went to court to challenge the legality of the fee and seek orders stopping its enforcement.
Nnaji said the existence of the ongoing legal dispute made the removal of his campaign materials particularly troubling. He maintained that authorities should respect due process while the court considers the legality of the disputed policy.
He also questioned the timing of the enforcement action and called for restraint from government agencies until the court reaches a decision on the matter.
The PDP candidate further argued that the government’s regulations should not prevent citizens and political parties from exercising their rights, adding that enforcement should be carried out in accordance with existing laws and due process.
Nnaji acknowledged that the state has regulations governing outdoor advertising and the display of campaign materials but maintained that such rules should be applied alongside respect for court proceedings and the rights of political actors.
The development comes as political activities increase ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with parties and candidates beginning to intensify their campaigns and mobilisation across Enugu State.