Zamfara ADC has called for an urgent review of campaign fees approved for political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing them as excessive.
The Zamfara State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the state government to urgently review campaign permit fees approved for political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The state ADC Chairman, Kabiru Garba, made the call in a statement issued in Gusau on Saturday.
Garba said the party was concerned about what it described as the excessive nature of the fees contained in a September 25 letter issued by the Zamfara Urban and Regional Planning Board (ZUREPB).
According to him, the document outlined rules and permit fees for political campaign activities in the state ahead of the 2027 elections.
While acknowledging the government’s responsibility to regulate the use of public spaces, protect infrastructure, manage traffic and maintain environmental sanitation during political activities, Garba said such regulation should not create unnecessary financial barriers to political participation.
“The ADC leadership is seriously concerned about the scale and nature of the stated permit fees, particularly where such charges could create an unnecessary financial barrier to lawful political participation and democratic engagement,” he said.
Garba called for greater transparency and consultation with political parties and other stakeholders before the fees are implemented.
He said the ADC recognised the need for appropriate regulation of political activities, including rallies, processions, road shows, posters, billboards and the use of public spaces.
However, he argued that such regulations should be lawful, proportionate, transparent, affordable and applied equally to all political parties and candidates.
“We therefore call on the authorities concerned to review the fees with a view to establishing reasonable, proportionate and affordable charges where legitimate regulation is required,” Garba said.
The ADC chairman also referred to the regulations governing political campaigns issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
INEC’s current Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties provide that political parties must notify the commission of their campaign schedules, including the date, time, venue and agenda, while also complying with relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
The commission’s 2027 election timetable is also now officially in place. INEC has scheduled the Presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, while Governorship and State House of Assembly elections are scheduled for March 6, 2027.
Garba said political parties remained essential institutions of democracy because they provide platforms through which citizens organise, present candidates, communicate policies and seek electoral mandates.
He maintained that the regulation of campaign activities should balance public safety and order with citizens’ constitutional and democratic rights to participate in the political process.
The ADC therefore urged the Zamfara Government and the relevant authorities to reconsider the approved campaign permit fees and establish charges that political parties and candidates can reasonably afford.
The party said a transparent and consultative approach would promote fairness and ensure that campaign regulations do not unnecessarily restrict legitimate political participation ahead of the 2027 elections.
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