Frontline governorship candidate in the upcoming Anambra state election, Chief George Moghalu of the Labour Party described the N50m advert levy imposed on candidates contesting the election as extortion.
In a statement released on Thursday, the campaign organisation said it rejected the decision.
According to the statement signed by Dr. Ikenna Agu, Director, Media and Publicity
George Moghalu Campaign Organisation (GMCO): “The George Moghalu Campaign Organisation (GMCO) condemns in the strongest possible terms the outrageous and undemocratic imposition of a N50 million campaign billboard fee by the Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA), under the directive of Governor Charles Soludo’s administration.
“This draconian and illegal directive is nothing short of a well-calculated attempt to muzzle opposition voices, entrench tyranny, and commercialize our democracy to serve the narrow interests of the ruling party.
“The action by ANSAA, which demands an extortionist N50 million from each of the 16 governorship candidates before they can legally advertise their campaigns, is a shameful assault on the fundamental democratic principles of fairness, inclusivity, and equal opportunity.
“The George Moghalu Campaign states categorically: Anambra is not for sale! No candidate should be coerced into paying such a prohibitive and baseless sum in order to reach the electorate.
“This fee is not only anti-democratic but also unconstitutional, as it seeks to arbitrarily restrict political participation to only the wealthy or those with access to state coffers.
“This desperate move by the Soludo-led administration reeks of panic and fear of credible opposition. Rather than engage in open, issue-based campaigns, the government has chosen to weaponize state institutions to silence dissent and distort the playing field. This amounts to state-sponsored political intimidation, and it will not stand.
We are alarmed that at a time when Anambra people are yearning for open debates, robust dialogue, and the free flow of campaign messages from all candidates, the government is instead erecting financial barriers to free speech and fair campaigning,” the statement said.
It went furthe to say that: “This illegal levy is a direct attack on our democracy and must be resisted by all well-meaning Anambrarians and lovers of freedom.
“Let it be made clear: Governor Soludo and his agents cannot use state power to gag other candidates. They cannot use financial roadblocks to eliminate competition. They cannot hold democracy hostage in Anambra State.
“We demand the immediate reversal of this oppressive directive. If the Soludo government has any respect for democratic values, it should allow all candidates to access campaign infrastructure on an equal and affordable basis, as guaranteed under our electoral laws and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The George Moghalu Campaign Organisation calls on INEC, the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), civil society organisations, and the international community to intervene swiftly and hold Governor Soludo’s government accountable for this abuse of power.
We also urge the other political parties and candidates not to be intimidated. The destiny of Anambra is greater than one man’s desire to cling to power through undemocratic means. We will continue to engage the people of Anambra with our message of hope, good governance, and development—whether or not we are granted permission by a repressive agency.
The battle for Anambra’s soul has begun—and we shall not bow to tyranny.
Anambra Ga Adinma Ozo!!!” (Anambra will be good again) the statement said.
