PLATEAU SETS ₦500,000 PENALTY FOR UNAUTHORISED POLITICAL POSTERS

The Jos Metropolitan Development Board has placed political parties, candidates and campaign groups in Plateau State on notice over the unauthorised use of public facilities for campaign advertisements ahead of the 2027 general elections. The board said political posters and other campaign materials must not be placed on public infrastructure or other locations without the required approval from the appropriate authorities.

The General Manager of the board, Hart Bankat, disclosed this in a statement issued in Jos on Saturday, explaining that the restriction was backed by Plateau State Executive Order 003 of 2024. The order contains provisions regulating buildings and vehicular traffic in the state, while also providing guidelines for the use of public spaces and outdoor advertising.

Bankat warned that individuals or groups who disregard the directive could be sanctioned under the law. He specifically pointed to a ₦500,000 fine contained in the executive order for offenders, stressing that the board would enforce the relevant provisions as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to him, the regulation covers campaign posters, banners and other forms of political publicity. Such materials are prohibited from being pasted, mounted or displayed on public buildings, bridges, road infrastructure and other locations that have not been authorised for political advertising. He explained that the measure is aimed at protecting public infrastructure, maintaining the appearance of Jos and ensuring safety during the campaign period.

The board therefore called on political parties, candidates, campaign organisations and advertising firms to secure approval before putting up any outdoor campaign materials. Bankat said the directive was part of the board's statutory responsibility to regulate physical development, outdoor advertising and the orderly use of public spaces across the state, urging all political actors to comply with the regulations as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.