ENUGU, Nigeria — The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Enugu State, Chief Obodeze Ocho, has described the ₦150 million billboard campaign advertisement permit imposed by the Enugu State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency as unfair, unconstitutional and undemocratic.
Speaking during the inauguration of the Obodeze Ocho Progressive Movement (OOPM), a support group established to mobilise support for the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections, Ocho argued that the advertising permit would place an undue burden on opposition political parties and undermine democratic participation.
According to the ADC candidate, the policy appears designed to discourage opposition parties from effectively reaching voters through outdoor advertising. He maintained that political campaigns should be conducted under conditions that guarantee equal opportunities for all contestants, regardless of the financial strength of their parties.
Ocho said the ADC would not be discouraged by the billboard permit requirement and announced that the party would instead adopt an extensive grassroots campaign strategy. He explained that once the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially opens the campaign period, the party would focus on direct engagement with voters through house-to-house visits, community meetings, market outreach, church engagements and other forms of interpersonal communication.
He expressed confidence that the party’s success in the 2027 governorship election would not depend on billboard advertisements but on its ability to connect directly with the electorate. According to him, grassroots mobilisation would remain the cornerstone of the ADC’s campaign strategy throughout the election period.
The governorship candidate also appreciated members of the newly inaugurated support group for their commitment and mobilisation efforts. He urged party supporters to remain united and actively participate in the electoral process, particularly by protecting their votes at polling units on election day. He stressed that vigilance by party members would help ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
Ocho further reassured supporters that the ADC would participate fully in the 2027 elections, urging members not to be distracted by speculation or misinformation concerning the party’s readiness for the polls.
Speaking at the event, the Enugu State Chairman of the ADC, retired Major General Chris Eze, commended members of the support group for their dedication to the party’s objectives. He encouraged members to remain focused on the party’s goal of winning elective positions across the state during the 2027 general elections.
Eze disclosed that the party’s governorship candidate would soon unveil his manifesto, outlining policies and programmes intended to address the developmental needs of Enugu State. He also pledged that the party leadership would work closely with support groups across the state to strengthen grassroots mobilisation ahead of the election.
The party chairman, however, advised support groups not to depend solely on the party for financial assistance. Instead, he encouraged them to engage supporters and members of the public in fundraising efforts to sustain campaign activities within the limits of electoral regulations.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Obodeze Ocho 2027 Campaign Organisation, Dr. Walter Orji, expressed confidence in the party’s electoral prospects. He argued that Ocho’s experience, leadership record and support base within the Nsukka cultural zone positioned him strongly for the governorship contest. He urged party members to intensify grassroots mobilisation once INEC officially approves the commencement of campaigns.
Representatives of the Obodeze Ocho Progressive Movement also pledged to support the party’s campaign through coordinated grassroots activities across the seven local government areas of the Nsukka cultural zone. They said the movement had established structures at local government and ward levels to facilitate voter mobilisation and political engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
