The Kogi State Signage and Advertisement Agency (KOSSAA) has warned political parties, candidates and their supporters against destroying, defacing or vandalising campaign billboards, posters and other political materials across the state.

The agency said such actions could heighten political tension and undermine peaceful political participation as activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.

KOSSAA General Manager, Richard Osaseyi, issued the warning amid recent reports of attacks on campaign materials and allegations of intimidation involving supporters of rival political groups in the state.

Osaseyi urged political actors to ensure that political disagreements do not develop into vandalism, intimidation or violence. He stressed that rival candidates and parties should be allowed to conduct lawful campaigns without interference.

The warning follows a reported incident involving African Democratic Congress (ADC) campaign activities at Gegu-Beki in Koton Karfe on October 3, 2026.

The ADC said its Kogi West senatorial candidate and Lokoja/Koton Karfe Federal Constituency candidate were attacked during the outing, with campaign vehicles and materials reportedly damaged. The party’s state chairman, Tom Zakari, alleged that suspected APC sympathisers were responsible and called on security agencies to investigate. However, the allegation has not been independently established by the police or another authoritative security agency.

There have also been separate allegations surrounding political activities in Lokoja. Organisers of the De-Group Kogi West O’Clock power-rotation summit claimed that some delegates were harassed and that supporters’ banners were destroyed. The Dankwo Development Forum also reportedly raised concerns about the destruction of promotional banners.

KOSSAA's warning comes against the backdrop of the agency's wider responsibility for regulating outdoor advertising and signage in Kogi. The state government recently approved official fees for political billboards, posters and other campaign materials, with KOSSAA tasked with enforcing the applicable regulations.

The agency has previously directed political parties, candidates, campaign organisations and billboard operators to obtain the necessary approvals before displaying campaign materials. Unauthorised materials can be removed and violators may face sanctions under the state’s signage regulations.

The latest warning also echoes previous guidance from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which has called on political parties and their supporters to avoid violence and the destruction of campaign materials during electioneering.

INEC has previously described attacks on billboards and other campaign materials as contrary to the electoral framework and urged security agencies to enforce the law against offenders.

KOSSAA is urging political parties and campaign organisations to concentrate on issue-based engagement, respect opposing candidates and allow lawful political participation across the state.

The agency also called on security authorities to investigate reported incidents objectively and ensure that anyone found responsible for unlawful acts is dealt with according to the law, regardless of political affiliation.

With political mobilisation expected to increase as the 2027 elections approach, the agency's position places emphasis on protecting lawful campaign activities while discouraging actions that could increase tension across Kogi.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia