BY TONY OKAFOR
The Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency’s directive imposing a N50 million fee on governorship candidates for campaign permits is a brazen attempt to undermine the electoral process.
This exorbitant levy not only contravenes the Constitution but also disenfranchises candidates who lack financial muscle, thereby stifling democratic participation.
The Independent National Electoral Commission is constitutionally empowered to regulate election matters, including governorship polls.
ANSAA’s actions constitute a gross overreach, subjecting candidates to double jeopardy and unnecessary financial burdens.
This move threatens to skew the electoral playing field in favour of wealthy candidates, compromising the integrity of the process.
The claim that the fee ensures orderliness and prevents visual pollution is a thinly veiled justification for an illegal act.
The agency’s functions, as established by the Anambra State government, do not extend to regulating election matters.
To ensure a free, fair, and inclusive electoral process, the Anambra State Government should immediately rescind the N50 million levy directive and allow the Independent National Electoral Commission to perform its constitutional duties without interference.
The commission should also assert its authority to regulate election matters in Anambra and ensure that the electoral process adheres to democratic principles.
By taking these steps, we can protect the integrity of the electoral process and uphold the rights of citizens to participate in free and fair elections, unencumbered.
The people of Anambra deserve an election that is not tainted by illegal levies and bureaucratic strong-arming.
In a democracy, the right to participate in elections should not be contingent on one’s financial capacity.
Ultimately, ANSAA must recognize that federal laws govern elections, including governorship polls.Any state law conflicting with federal regulations is invalid to the extent of its inconsistency.
The agency should retreat from this overreach and allow the electoral process to unfold under the regulatory framework established by federal law.
