A political advocacy group, BSA Voice of Reason, has accused the Oyo State Government of introducing what it described as restrictive and excessive regulations aimed at opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group’s criticism follows a notice reportedly issued by the Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency (OYSAA) on June 5, 2026, outlining mandatory campaign permit requirements for political advertising and campaign-related activities across the state.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Mr. Sola Abegunde, the group alleged that the new guidelines were designed to disadvantage opposition parties and limit their visibility during the electioneering period.
“Our attention has been drawn to a document issued by the Oyo State Government through the office of the Director General of OYSAA,” Abegunde said. “The measures contained in the document appear to target opposition political parties towards the 2027 general election.”
The controversy comes amid earlier social media reports alleging that billboard operators in the state had been instructed not to display opposition campaign materials in strategic locations and to charge opposition parties significantly higher advertising rates. The state government has not publicly confirmed those allegations.
Abegunde said his group initially dismissed the reports as misinformation until it obtained a copy of the OYSAA notice.
“Until we saw the document from OYSAA, we thought the information circulating online could never be true,” he stated.
According to the group, the notice requires political parties, candidates and campaign organizations to obtain permits before undertaking any campaign-related advertising activity within the state.
The statement reproduced portions of the OYSAA directive, including a provision that states: “No practitioner shall deploy, erect, facilitate, display or undertake any campaign advertisements, promotional material or campaign activity on behalf of any political party, candidate, campaign organization or support group without first ensuring that requisite campaign permit has been obtained from OYSAA.”
Another section of the notice reportedly extends the permit requirement to rallies, roadshows, posters, flyers, banners, branded vehicles, public address systems, campaign booths, campaign merchandise, billboards and other promotional materials.
The group also objected to the permit fees attached to various elective offices, which it listed as ₦50 million for presidential candidates, ₦30 million for governorship candidates, ₦20 million for senatorial candidates, ₦5 million for House of Representatives candidates, ₦1.5 million for House of Assembly candidates, ₦2.5 million for local government chairmanship candidates and ₦100,000 for councillorship candidates.
Describing the fees as “outrageous,” the group argued that the regulations could place significant financial burdens on political actors seeking to campaign in the state.
Abegunde further questioned the timing of the policy, noting ongoing concerns over security challenges in parts of Oyo State.
“It is our belief that this period, when over 40 pupils and teachers of Oriire Local Government are still in captivity, no one would have the time for dirty politics,” he said. “We thought that at this point, the government would be concerned with the safe return of the abducted victims.”
The group accused Governor Seyi Makinde of using state institutions to frustrate political opponents.
“A careful study of the new rules would reveal that Governor Seyi Makinde has just weaponized an agency of the state government, the OYSAA, to go against opposition political parties,” Abegunde alleged.
Despite its criticism, the group expressed confidence that the regulations would not hinder its political activities.
“We know our rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said. “We also know that he is staring defeat directly in the face in the coming election.”
The group called on the governor to ensure a level playing field for all political parties and to approach the 2027 elections “with decorum and civility.”