Adamawa court fines ADC gov candidate ₦3m for illegal campaign posters

The Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has warned politicians against illegally pasting their campaign posters on flyovers and other public buildings, urging them to desist or face the full wrath of the law.

The governor’s warning came a few hours after Adamawa State Magistrate Court No. 2 fined the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate, Suleiman Umar, ₦3 million for placing his campaign posters on public buildings on Thursday.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday night, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Humwashi Wonosikou, said the position of the government was neither new nor selective.

He said the law prohibiting the defacement of public property had always existed and applied equally to everyone, regardless of political party or social standing.

“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,” the CPS said.

According to Wonosikou, the actions of the government were not about politics but about responsibility.

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 said every poster pasted illegally on government infrastructure diminished the collective investment of the people of Adamawa State.

“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 said no individual would receive preferential treatment because of political affiliation, influence or office.

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 said.

Online observed that when our correspondent went round Yola, the state capital, posters of candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress were prominently displayed on flyovers and other public buildings.