Billboard war, internal crises mar campaigns in North
Political campaigns in Northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections are facing delays due to internal party crises, high signage fees, and disputes over billboard placement. Opposition parties have accused the ruling APC of using incumbency to restrict their campaign visibility.
Why it matters
The fairness of the pre-election environment is critical to the democratic process in Nigeria, and these disputes highlight tensions regarding political inclusivity.
Layer 1 By Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor
The 2027 general elections may be over 100 days away, but political campaigns across Northern Nigeria are yet to gather full momentum, with billboard disputes, high signage fees, internal party crises and government restrictions threatening to shape the early phase of electioneering.
Read Also: 2027: Three months to polls, campaigns, rallies yet to begin
Although the INEC has approved the commencement of campaigns, findings by Saturday Vanguard show that political activities vary sharply across the region.
While Kaduna, Nasarawa, Sokoto, Taraba, Katsina and parts of Adamawa and Bauchi are witnessing growing mobilisation, campaigns remain relatively subdued in states such as Kebbi, Benue, Kano and Borno, where parties are still grappling with internal issues or yet to formally launch their campaigns.
In some states, the contest has already shifted to billboards, posters and public spaces, producing allegations of discrimination against opposition parties.
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