Oyo 2027 Campaign Permit Controversy: Critics Raise Concerns as OYSAA Introduces New Political Advertising Regulations
Fresh controversy has emerged in Oyo State following the release of a directive by the Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency (OYSAA) introducing mandatory permit requirements for political advertising and campaign activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The document, dated June 5, 2026, and signed by the Director-General of OYSAA, Mr. Oludolapo Eso-Ajanaku, has generated intense debate among political stakeholders, opposition figures, advertising practitioners, and members of the public.
Titled “Notice of Mandatory Campaign Permit Requirements for Advertising Activities Ahead of the 2027 General Election,” the directive outlines new regulations governing political advertisements and campaign-related promotional activities across Oyo State.
Prior to the release of the document, social media platforms had been flooded with unverified reports alleging that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde had directed billboard owners and outdoor advertising operators to restrict the placement of opposition campaign materials in strategic locations throughout the state. Other claims suggested that opposition parties could face higher advertising charges and possible removal of campaign materials from prime advertising locations.
While those reports remain largely unverified, critics argue that the newly introduced permit regime has intensified concerns about the fairness of the political environment as preparations for the 2027 elections gradually begin.
The development is also coming at a period when public attention has been focused on security concerns, including reports of the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. Some political observers have questioned whether the introduction of stringent campaign regulations should be a priority at a time when citizens are demanding stronger action on security and public safety.
A major point of contention is the schedule of permit fees attached to political campaign activities. According to the OYSAA directive, permit charges are structured as follows:
• Presidential Candidate – ₦50 million
• Governorship Candidate – ₦30 million
• Senatorial Candidate – ₦20 million
• House of Representatives Candidate – ₦5 million
• House of Assembly Candidate – ₦1.5 million
• Local Government Chairman Candidate – ₦2.5 million
• Councillorship Candidate – ₦100,000
Critics have described the fees as excessive and potentially capable of creating financial barriers for political participation, particularly for smaller parties and independent political actors.
However, a careful reading of the document indicates that the permit requirements are not expressly directed at opposition parties alone. The directive specifically refers to “any political party, candidate, campaign organization or support group,” suggesting that the regulations apply universally to all political actors operating within Oyo State, regardless of political affiliation.
One of the most debated provisions is Paragraph 2 of the directive, which states that no advertising practitioner shall deploy, erect, facilitate, display, or undertake campaign advertisements or promotional materials on behalf of any political party or candidate without first ensuring that the required campaign permit has been obtained from OYSAA.
Paragraph 3 further expands the scope of the permit to include political rallies, road shows, posters, flyers, banners, flex materials, campaign signage, branded vehicles, mobile advertisements, public address systems, campaign booths, activation stands, campaign-branded souvenirs, billboards, and other political promotional materials deployed within the state.
Opposition voices have argued that the broad scope of these provisions could potentially be used to regulate nearly every aspect of political campaigning. They fear that selective enforcement could place opposition candidates at a disadvantage if the rules are not applied uniformly.
Supporters of the policy, however, may contend that state governments possess regulatory powers over outdoor advertising and public display infrastructure and that such regulations are intended to ensure orderliness, compliance, and accountability in political advertising activities.
As political discussions intensify, critics are calling on the Oyo State Government to provide greater clarification regarding the implementation of the policy, particularly on whether the regulations will be applied equally to candidates of all political parties, including those of the ruling party.
With less than a year before full-scale political campaigns are expected to gather momentum, the debate surrounding OYSAA’s campaign permit policy is likely to remain a major talking point in Oyo State politics.
For many observers, the central question is no longer whether the permit requirements exist, but whether their enforcement will be transparent, fair, and consistent across the political spectrum as the state moves closer to the 2027 general elections.
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