2027: NYCN South-East Demands Fair Play, Condemns Alleged Campaign Restrictions

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), South-East Zone, has demanded a level playing field for all political parties and candidates ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

At a press briefing, the council raised alarm over alleged billboard and outdoor advertising charges running into tens or hundreds of millions of naira in some South-East states—with some reportedly as high as ₦150 million.

Vice President of NYCN South-East, Comr. Dr. Atigwe Henry Ifeanyi, warned that such fees could price young and less wealthy candidates out of the race.

“If candidates must pay extraordinary sums before displaying campaign materials, democracy risks becoming the preserve of the financially powerful,” he said.

The council urged INEC, the Federal Government, security agencies and state authorities to investigate the allegations and ensure that regulations or administrative charges are not used to suppress political participation.

It also condemned alleged intimidation, harassment, obstruction and attacks against opposition parties, candidates, supporters and campaign structures.

Atigwe said it was unacceptable for opposition parties to be denied access to public schools, government premises and other public facilities while ruling parties allegedly enjoy unrestricted use of them.

“Public property belongs to the people,” he said, insisting that government facilities must not become tools of political victimisation.

The NYCN called for equal treatment of all parties and candidates, regardless of political affiliation. It also urged INEC to strengthen monitoring, enforce electoral guidelines and sanction anyone who obstructs lawful campaigning.

The council warned that electoral violations must be tackled before election day, stressing that a credible election depends on a fair campaign environment.

Youth participation

The youth body urged INEC to create and regularly update an accessible database containing the names, photographs, parties and other details of duly nominated candidates across the South-East.

It said the database would help voters identify candidates and reduce the advantage enjoyed by those able to afford expensive billboard campaigns.

While acknowledging the need to regulate outdoor advertising, Atigwe said such regulation must be reasonable, transparent, non-discriminatory and uniformly applied.

The council appealed to governors and relevant authorities in the five South-East states to review what it described as excessive campaign advertising charges.

It warned that the cost of political participation must not shut out credible candidates, especially young Nigerians.

The NYCN also urged parties, candidates and supporters to reject violence, intimidation, destruction of campaign materials and attacks on opponents.

Atigwe called on young people to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), study the candidates and their programmes, and participate peacefully in the 2027 elections.

He urged youths to use their votes to demand accountability, development, jobs, security and quality education while rejecting inducement and intimidation.

“Defending democracy does not mean resorting to violence. We must defend our votes through lawful and constitutional means—by staying vigilant, documenting irregularities and using the proper institutions and courts,” he said.

The NYCN South-East Zone said it would continue to push for youth inclusion, peaceful political engagement and elections that reflect the will of Nigerians.

It called on INEC, the Federal Government, the police, DSS, military, state governments and other stakeholders to guarantee a credible and inclusive electoral process.

“The youths of the South-East are watching. We are ready to participate. We are ready to vote. We are ready to defend democracy through lawful means,” Atigwe declared.

The statement was copied to the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria; Chairman of INEC; Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice; Inspector-General of Police; Director-General of the DSS; Chief of Army Staff and other Service Chiefs; President of the Senate; Speaker of the House of Representatives; and the governors of the five South-East states.