The Kogi State Signage and Advertisement Agency (KOSSAA) has issued a stern warning against the destruction, defacement, and vandalisation of political billboards, posters, and campaign materials across the state, cautioning political parties, supporters, and suspected political thugs against actions capable of escalating tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The General Manager of KOSSAA, Hon. Richard Osaseyi, gave the warning following renewed reports of attacks on campaign materials and allegations of intimidation involving supporters of opposing political factions in the state.
He stressed that political disagreements must not degenerate into vandalism, intimidation, or violence, urging all political actors to respect the rights of rival candidates to campaign peacefully.
The agency’s warning comes in the wake of recent violent encounters reported across the state. On October 3, 2026, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) reported that its Kogi West senatorial candidate and Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency candidate were attacked during political activities at Gegu-Beki, Koton Karfe, resulting in the destruction of campaign vehicles and materials. ADC State Chairman, Hon. Tom Zakari, alleged that suspected All Progressives Congress (APC) sympathisers carried out the attack, though the claim remains independently unverified. Zakari subsequently called on security agencies to investigate the incident.
In a related development, delegates at a power-rotation summit in Lokoja organized by De-Group Kogi West O’Clock alleged harassment and the destruction of supporters’ banners. The group’s spokesperson, Barr. Shaba Ibrahim, noted that delegates attended the event to promote peace but faced unexpected harassment. Similarly, the Dankwo Development Forum reported the destruction of power-rotation promotional banners by suspected political thugs.
Reiterating the agency’s mandate as the regulator of outdoor advertising and enforcement of signage requirements in Kogi, Osaseyi maintained that political campaigns must remain strictly within the bounds of the law. He emphasized that no group or individual possesses the right to destroy legally displayed campaign materials of political opponents due to partisan differences.
The regulator’s position aligns with previous directives from electoral and security authorities. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, previously warned against the mutual destruction of campaign materials, citing it as a violation of electoral provisions, while the Nigeria Police Force has consistently maintained that defacing campaign posters constitutes a criminal offence punishable by arrest and prosecution.
As political mobilisation intensifies across the state, KOSSAA urged candidates and campaign organisations to focus on issue-based campaigns, respect opposing viewpoints, and allow lawful political engagement.
The agency also called on relevant security agencies to conduct objective investigations into reported incidents, identify culpable perpetrators regardless of political affiliation, and ensure justice is served.
