The Zamfara State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Zamfara has called on Zamfara government to review what it described as excessive political campaigns permits fees and call for urgent review of the process by the authorities.
This was contained in a statement signed by the state ADC Chairman Kabiru Garba Gusau issued in Gusau on Saturday.
According to the statement, ‘”the state ADC leadership has noted the letter dated 25 September 2026 issued by the Zamfara Urban and Regional Planning Board (ZUREPB), forwarding what it describes as the “Approved Rules and permit fees for political campaign activities in Zamfara State – 2027 general elections.”
“The ADC recognises the legitimate responsibility of government to regulate the use of public spaces, protect public infrastructure, maintain environmental sanitation, manage traffic and ensure that political activities are conducted peacefully and orderly.
“However, the ADC is seriously concerned about the scale and nature of the stated permit fees, particularly where such charges could create an unnecessary financial barrier to lawful political participation and democratic engagement.
“The ADC considers these provisions deserving of urgent review, clarification and consultation with political parties and other stakeholders,” statement said.
“The ADC therefore, respectfully appeals to Zamfara State Government to consider the our calls and immediate review of the campaign permits fees in order to ensure justice and fairness.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued the official framework for the 2027 electoral process, including provisions governing political party activities and campaigns.
The INEC’s current regulations also contain specific provisions on the procedure, audience, period, venue and conduct of political campaigns,” It noted
“The political parties are essential institutions of democracy, they provide platforms through which citizens organise, present candidates, communicate policies and seek the mandate of the people.
“We recognise the need to regulate, posters and billboards, rallies and processions, road shows, use of public spaces, traffic management, environmental protection and protection of public infrastructure.
However, such regulation should be lawful, proportionate, transparent, affordable and applied equally to all political parties and candidates.
“We therefore, call on authorities concerned to review the fees with a view to establishing reasonable, proportionate and affordable charges where legitimate regulation is required.
“The ADC Zamfara State Chapter will continue to respect the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act 2026, applicable INEC regulations and all lawful directives.
“At the same, we will not remain silent where an administrative measure raises serious questions concerning lawful democratic participation.
The ADC is prepared to pursue dialogue, administrative engagement and, where necessary, judicial clarification through the appropriate legal channels.
“Our position is that, democratic disagreements should be resolved through law, dialogue not through confrontation and heavy feels.
“The people of Zamfara have the right to participate in the democratic process.
“As political parties, we have a responsibility to provide citizens with alternative choices, ideas, policies and programmes.
“The ADC is ready to engage the people of Zamfara peacefully, responsibly and lawfully.
“We are ready to organise, we are ready to mobilise our people to continue seeking for change.
“We are ready to campaign in accordance with the law and order by authorities and we ready for every challenges in struggling for a better society,” statement further explained.
He said: the state ADC chapter therefore calls on the Zamfara State government to reconsider the policy and ensure that any regulatory framework governing political activities is lawful, proportionate, transparent and fair to all political parties.
“Democracy should not be a burgen on the people, Zamfara state is belongs to all of us irrespective of political parties.
“We are struggling for change to a better society, therefore we can’t be discouraged by authorities in power,” the statement added.