Kwara Govt, PDP Clash Over Removal Of Campaign Billboards

A political dispute has arisen in Kwara State over the removal of campaign billboards for PDP governorship candidate, Engr. Suleiman Bolakale Kawu. The state government claims the removals are necessary to enforce signage regulations, while the PDP accuses the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration of using government agencies to suppress opposition and remove their campaign materials from key areas in Ilorin.

The latest conflict followed the removal of Kawu’s billboards at Agaka and Adabata Junction. Earlier, KWASAA had taken down the billboard at the Geri Alimi Underpass. However, KWASAA General Manager Toba Adeyeye stated that the agency's actions were not politically motivated, and were meant to uphold the state's signage regulations and protect public infrastructure.

KWASAA claimed they had received numerous complaints regarding the unauthorized erection of billboards and other forms of illegal advertising. Adeyeye explained that KWASAA must obtain approval from the relevant agency before using government infrastructure for advertising or political campaigns. The agency rejected allegations of selective enforcement, emphasizing that they remove illegal campaign materials irrespective of the political party involved.

KWASAA also revealed that they had previously removed campaign materials belonging to All Progressives Congress (APC) members during the party's primary election. The PDP candidate responded by urging political opponents to engage through ideas, programs, and performance rather than restrictions on visibility. The PDP also highlighted that removing their campaign materials would not diminish their presence or support among voters, and called on Governor AbdulRazaq to cease the alleged political intimidation.