By Opeyemi Adelakun
The Benue State Environmental Sanitation Authority (BENSESA) has directed political parties, candidates and campaign organisations to obtain approval before erecting billboards or displaying campaign materials across the state.
The directive, contained in a notice dated September 3, 2026 and signed by BENSESA General Manager, Anta Igbaato, warned against the unauthorised placement of posters, handbills and billboards on public and private property.
According to the authority, the restriction is backed by Section 14(a) of the BENSESA Law 2005, which prohibits the posting of advertisements, posters and notices on streets or property without its permission.
BENSESA also cited Section 14(b), which empowers the authority to remove or destroy campaign materials erected or pasted without approval.
The agency further said political parties seeking to erect campaign billboards must secure approval for their proposed locations, noting that Section 15 of the law makes it the custodian of road setbacks across the state.
However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue has criticised the directive, accusing the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia of attempting to restrict opposition political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement by its State Publicity Secretary, Bright Antyo, the opposition party described the directive as “anti-democratic” and a potential threat to free political participation.
The PDP said it supported environmental sanitation and orderly urban development but opposed any attempt to use a government agency to frustrate legitimate political engagement.
The party also questioned the timing of the directive, alleging that the approval powers given to BENSESA could be selectively applied to favour the ruling party while limiting opposition candidates.
The PDP urged Governor Alia to reverse what it described as an “ill-advised directive” and called on INEC, civil society organisations, the media and security agencies to monitor political developments in the state.
It insisted that preparations for the 2027 elections should provide equal opportunities for all political parties and candidates.
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