The Benue State Government and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have disagreed over a directive to remove unauthorised billboards across the state, with the opposition party alleging that the move could affect political campaign activities ahead of the 2027 elections.

The state government, through the Benue State Signage and Advertisement Agency, Benue State Internal Revenue Service and Urban Development Board, has given owners and operators of unauthorised billboards a two-week period to regularise their structures or face removal.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chief Solomon Iorpev, said enforcement would begin on October 20, 2026. He said the affected billboards were erected without the necessary permits, planning clearance and payment of prescribed fees.

According to Iorpev, the government was giving billboard owners an opportunity to comply before enforcement begins. He urged those affected to approach the relevant agencies to obtain the required approvals and settle applicable fees, adding that removed billboards would be taken down at the owners’ expense.

The PDP, however, questioned the timing of the directive and alleged that it could be politically motivated. State Publicity Secretary Bright Antyo described the proposed enforcement as an attempt to restrict opposition campaign visibility ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The party alleged that political billboards carrying opposition messages had recently appeared in major towns and argued that the government should not use regulatory agencies to restrict legitimate political communication. The PDP called on civil society organisations, election observers, the media and other stakeholders to monitor the implementation of the directive.

The state government’s stated position is that the enforcement applies to unauthorised billboards regardless of ownership or political affiliation. The controversy comes amid increasing political activity ahead of the 2027 elections, with both sides offering different explanations for the timing and implications of the planned enforcement.