Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has cautioned political parties and candidates against placing campaign posters on flyovers, bridges and other government-owned structures, warning that violators would face legal consequences.
The warning came shortly after an Adamawa State Magistrate Court sitting in Yola imposed a ₦3 million fine on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, Suleiman Umar, for displaying campaign posters on public buildings.
Addressing journalists on Thursday night, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Humwashi Wonosikou, said the government’s position was not a new policy and was not directed at any particular political party.
According to him, the prohibition against defacing public property has long existed in the state’s laws and applies equally to every individual and political organisation.
“For some time now, the government has watched with concern the indiscriminate pasting of campaign posters and political materials on flyovers, bridges, public buildings, streetlights, road medians and other public infrastructure.
“These facilities were built with public funds to improve the quality of life of our people. They are not campaign boards for political organisations or individual aspirants.
“Those who imagined that government would look away have now been confronted by the verdict of the law.
” In a landmark case, a political candidate who violated this provision was prosecuted, found liable by a competent court, and ordered to pay a fine of ₦3 million. That judgment has settled the matter beyond public debate. It has demonstrated that the law is enforceable and that the government possesses both the legal authority and the resolve to protect public property,” Wonosikou stated.
The governor’s spokesman stressed that the administration’s decision was based on the need to preserve public infrastructure rather than any political consideration.
He argued that no responsible government would invest huge public resources in urban development projects only to allow such facilities to be defaced by campaign materials.
“No responsible government can spend billions of naira beautifying cities, constructing modern flyovers, improving road corridors and restoring public infrastructure, only to watch those same facilities become canvases for indiscriminate poster campaigns.
“Urban renewal is not measured solely by the construction of roads and bridges. It is sustained by discipline, civic responsibility and respect for public assets,” Wonosikou said.
He further noted that every illegally pasted campaign poster on public infrastructure diminishes the value of investments made with taxpayers’ money.
The government also assured residents that enforcement of the law would be impartial and would not spare members of the ruling party or opposition parties.
“The law will be enforced without fear or favour. Members of the ruling party and the opposition stand on equal footing before the law.”
He maintained that political status, influence or public office would not shield anyone from prosecution.
“Political participation is a constitutional right. Vandalising public infrastructure is not.
“We encourage all political actors to pursue lawful and responsible avenues for public engagement. Approved billboards, flex banners, designated advertising spaces, newspapers, radio, television, digital media, town hall meetings and other legitimate platforms remain available for campaigns,” he added.
Despite the government’s assurances, observations around Yola, the Adamawa State capital, revealed that campaign posters belonging to candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were also displayed on several flyovers and public buildings, raising questions about the uniform application of the directive.
