Opposition candidates have accused the All Progressives Congress-led government of using state agencies and political structures to frustrate opposition activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on People’s Voice on Voice of the People TV, the National Democratic Congress candidate for Surulere Federal Constituency I, Dr Adefolaseye Adebunmi Adebayo alleged that officials of the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency selectively removed opposition campaign materials while leaving those belonging to the ruling party untouched.
The broadcast also raised concerns about Nigeria’s deteriorating road infrastructure and inadequate healthcare funding, with Mrs Adebayo arguing that political spending should not come at the expense of basic services needed by Nigerians.
Mr Adebayo alleged that LASAA officials destroyed more than 50 NDC campaign banners while leaving APC materials in place.
“The government of the day is using government machinery against the people. LASAA officials destroyed over 50 NDC banners while leaving APC materials untouched. If the APC government believes the people are with them, they should let other parties be.”
She further alleged that she personally witnessed agency officials removing her campaign material while an APC banner remained nearby.
“They took my banner, and unfortunately they forgot the local APC candidate’s banner right beside mine. My banner was not obstructing any place; it wasn’t on the road. They are trying to send a message that they are intolerant of others. They think they are intimidating us, but they are just exposing who they are.”
The allegations, however, represent the opposition candidate’s account of the incidents.
Voter inducement and the power of the ballot
Mrs Adebayo also spoke about the influence of money in Nigerian elections, arguing that opposition parties may struggle to match the financial resources available to a governing party.
“We cannot outspend APC; somebody that has the key of the treasury will be giving directly. But democracy is government by the people, not by one person.”
She therefore, urged voters to look beyond immediate financial inducements when making electoral choices.
“When people collect these monies, they must remember that they have another five years ahead—it’s either you sell your birthright or you secure good roads and healthcare.”
Claims of selective enforcement
The candidates alleged that LASAA task forces were selectively enforcing signage regulations against opposition campaign materials while overlooking damaged or allegedly non-compliant APC posters.
They claimed that some NDC banners attached to neutral structures, including trees and perimeter rocks, were targeted even when nearby ruling-party materials were allegedly left untouched.
The opposition representatives described such actions as administrative intolerance and warned that perceived unequal treatment could further heighten political tensions ahead of 2027.
Healthcare funding under scrutiny
Healthcare was another major concern raised during the broadcast.
Mrs Adebayo, who spoke from the perspective of a medical practitioner and political candidate, criticised what she described as inadequate funding for the health sector and poor translation of budgetary allocations into functional healthcare services.
She noted that Nigeria’s health funding remains below the 15 per cent target contained in the Abuja Declaration, while the country continues to face shortages of critical medical equipment, including functional radiotherapy machines.
She argued that Nigerians suffering from serious conditions such as cancer and end-stage renal disease are often forced to depend on public fundraising to access specialised treatment.
According to her, government spending priorities should give greater attention to life-saving medical infrastructure rather than focusing disproportionately on areas that do not directly address citizens’ basic welfare.
The issues raised during the broadcast go beyond the rivalry between political parties.
For Nigerians, the concerns centre on whether political competition can take place fairly, whether public resources are being used impartially, and whether government spending is addressing everyday problems such as bad roads and inadequate healthcare.
If opposition parties’ allegations of selective enforcement are substantiated, they could further undermine public confidence in the electoral process. At the same time, deteriorating roads and gaps in healthcare funding have direct consequences for commuters, businesses, patients and families.
Background
Political tensions between governing authorities and opposition groups have intensified as parties begin preparations for the 2027 elections.
Reports of campaign material destruction in Lagos, Kano and other parts of the country have added to concerns about the political environment.
Meanwhile, public criticism over deteriorating national highways has continued, even as the Federal Government announces plans for major infrastructure projects, including the reconstruction of the Carter Bridge in Lagos.
Opposition figures maintain that alongside such projects, greater attention should be given to maintaining existing roads and strengthening healthcare infrastructure.
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