A political advocacy group, BSA Voice of Reason, has accused the Oyo State Government of introducing what it described as excessive campaign permit fees and restrictive regulations targeted at opposition political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Sola Abegunde, the group alleged that a recent notice issued by the Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency (OYSAA) imposed stringent requirements on political campaigns and advertising activities within the state.

The controversy stems from a document dated June 5, 2026, titled “Notice of Mandatory Campaign Permit Requirements for Advertising Activities Ahead of the 2027 General Election,” reportedly signed by the Director-General of OYSAA, Mr. Oludolapo Eso-Ajanaku.

According to the group, the new guidelines require political parties, candidates, campaign organizations, and support groups to obtain campaign permits before undertaking any form of political advertising or promotional activities in the state.

BSA Voice of Reason further claimed that the permit fees prescribed by OYSAA are prohibitively high, listing charges of ₦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.

The group argued that the fees and regulations could place opposition parties at a disadvantage and alleged that the measures were designed to stifle political competition ahead of the next election cycle.

Citing provisions of the OYSAA notice, the group noted that outdoor advertising practitioners are prohibited from displaying campaign materials without first confirming that the required permit has been obtained. The permit requirement, it said, extends to political rallies, roadshows, posters, flyers, banners, branded vehicles, public address systems, campaign merchandise, billboards, and other promotional materials.

Abegunde described the policy as “draconian” and accused Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration of using state institutions against political opponents.

The group also questioned the timing of the policy, arguing that government attention should be focused on pressing security concerns, including the ongoing abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

“We know our rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement read, adding that the opposition would not be intimidated by the new regulations.

BSA Voice of Reason called on Governor Makinde to ensure a level playing field for all political actors and to approach the 2027 elections with “decorum and civility.”
As of the time of filing this report, the Oyo State Government and OYSAA had not issued an official response to the allegations contained in the statement.