The Kwara State Signage and Advertising Agency (KWASAA) and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria ARCON have tasked political parties and actors to obtain necessary approvals for political jingles and billboards as the 2027 general elections approach.
Speaking with journalists in Ilorin on Tuesday, the General Manager of KWASAA, Mr. Toba Adeyeye, said the agency would remove offensive billboards and posters and prosecute violators as the election campaign approaches, adding that approval from regulatory bodies is necessary to restore sanity in the industry.
The KWASAA chief stated that the agency’s responsibility goes beyond revenue generation, noting that it is committed to public safety, environmental aesthetics and law enforcement.
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Adeyeye expressed concern over the possible proliferation of unauthorized campaign materials ahead of the 2027 elections and urged stakeholders to operate within the established regulatory framework.
He said KWASAA is strengthening the regulation of political advertising ahead of the 2027 general election, adding that a planned stakeholder engagement aims to create a common understanding of the rules guiding political campaigns and the use of public spaces for advertising.
He said the forum would also clarify requirements for permits, billboards, posters and other forms of political communication.
Also speaking, the Zonal Coordinator of ARCON, Ilorin Office, Mr. Abdurasaq Yusuf, reminded political parties and candidates that political advertisements must be vetted and approved before being displayed to the public.
Yusuf said ARCON regulates the content of advertisements to ensure that political messages are legal, honest and truthful.
He explained that while approval may be required for the placement of an ad, ARCON is responsible for vetting its content.
Yusuf warned against misleading claims and unsubstantiated representations by political candidates, adding that ARCON has introduced four-, eight- and sixteen-hour expedited vetting options in addition to its normal approval process.
He urged political advertisers to obtain required approval before displaying campaign materials.
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