JUST IN: Amujiogu Sues ENSSAA Over ₦150m Political Campaign Permit, Calls Fee ‘Unconstitutional’

The Temple of Justice Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, has sued the Enugu State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency, ENSSAA, and its Managing Director, Mr. Francis Aninwike, over what it described as an “excessive and unconstitutional” ₦150 million political campaign and advertisement permit.

The suit, no. AWH/58/2026, is before the Enugu State High Court and has been fixed for hearing on July 3, 2026.

The foundation is challenging ENSSAA’s directive requiring political parties, aspirants, and supporters to obtain a permit costing ₦150 million before displaying billboards, banners, posters, or engaging in any outdoor political advertising ahead of the forthcoming general elections.

Addressing journalists, counsel to the foundation and its Executive Director, Ozo Alex Amujiogu, condemned the directive, saying it breaches Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Articles 9, 10, 11, and 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantee freedom of expression and association.

“Considering the worsening economy bedeviling the nation, especially the people of Enugu State, how will opposition political parties and candidates survive this excessive political campaign permit when they are still struggling to find their political feats?” Amujiogu asked.

He argued that the fee effectively blocks grassroots candidates from participating in elections. “How will poor councilorship, chairmanship, House of Assembly candidates in most rural areas in Enugu State among other political offices be forced to pay a whopping sum of N150 million naira as a pre-condition to be allowed to mount billboards, place posters, wear political vests, display banners and engage in media adverts?”

Amujiogu described the ENSSAA law and directive as “draconian” and in “constitutional collision” with Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution. He called on the judiciary “as the last hope of the oppressed, depressed and suppressed” to intervene and protect the political rights of opposition parties in the state.

*Reliefs sought*

The foundation is asking the court for:

1. *A declaration* that the ₦150 million permit demand violates the applicants’ fundamental rights under Sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution and Articles 9, 10, 11, and 13 of the African Charter.

2. *An order setting aside* all directives, circulars, guidelines, and notices requiring payment of the ₦150 million permit as a pre-condition for political campaigns and engagement, among other reliefs.

ENSSAA had earlier announced a statewide clampdown on unauthorized outdoor advertisements, insisting that no individual or political group could erect campaign materials without its approval and requisite permits.

The case comes up for hearing on July 3, 2026.