The government of Anambra State has approved into effect the payment of 10 Million Naira by presidential candidates in the coming 2023 elections.
The payment, it was explained by the government, is a levy for the permission of printing, distribution, and advertising of campaign posters within the state.
The order by the government also includes all other political candidates beyond the presidential aspirants. National Assembly candidates, both aspirants for the Senate House and national House of Representatives, are to pay 7 Million Naira for the permission of campaign poster use in the state.
Candidates of the State House of Assembly, however, are demanded to pay 5 Million Naira for the same purpose.
Coming with this law, is the directive for thorough vetting of campaign posters before permissions are granted for their printing and distribution.
This law and the accompanying initiatives have raised concerns among political participants as to the cost politics especially for the young aspirants.
Also, it has raised a wave of conversation as regards the practical reality of the Labour Party’s candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, whose campaign is popularly premised on purported frugality and who is a former Governor of Anambra State.