KWARA AGENCY DEFENDS REMOVAL OF PDP CANDIDATE’S CAMPAIGN BILLBOARD

The Kwara State Signage and Advertisement Agency has defended the removal of a campaign billboard belonging to the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate, Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu, in Ilorin, insisting that the action was based on regulatory violations and not political considerations. The billboard, located around the Geri Alimi Underpass, had displayed Kawu’s image and campaign message ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The controversy began after a video showing individuals removing the campaign banner from the billboard structure circulated online. Kawu’s media office accused the state government of political intimidation, claiming that the advertising space had been properly rented and that the agreed payment period had not expired. The campaign team argued that the enforcement was triggered because the structure was being used to promote the PDP candidate.

However, KWASAA rejected the allegation, explaining that its enforcement was directed at the approval status of the billboard structure and outstanding obligations allegedly owed by its operator. The agency said payment for the use of an advertising space does not automatically mean that the billboard itself has the required regulatory approvals or that all obligations to the agency have been settled.

The agency also raised safety concerns over the structure, questioning whether the iron framework installed on the bridge had received its approval or supervision. According to KWASAA, improperly installed advertising structures could endanger motorists and other road users while also posing a risk to public infrastructure. It maintained that its enforcement activities were not targeted at any political party and that any political organisation found violating signage regulations would be contacted through official channels.

The dispute comes as political activities intensify across Kwara ahead of the 2027 elections. While Kawu’s camp has demanded what it described as a level playing field for all parties and candidates, KWASAA has maintained that regulatory compliance must apply regardless of political affiliation. The agency also urged the PDP candidate and his team to seek clarification from the operator who rented the advertising space to them rather than interpreting the enforcement as political persecution.