By Peter Duru, Makurdi
The Benue State Environmental Sanitation Authority, BENSESA, has warned political parties, candidates and campaign organisations against the unauthorised erection of billboards and posting of campaign posters across the state.
The warning, contained in a notice dated September 3, 2026 and signed by the General Manager of BENSESA, Mr Anta Igbaato, has, however, triggered a sharp reaction from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, which accused the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia of attempting to stifle opposition activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
BENSESA said the indiscriminate erection of billboards and pasting of campaign materials could constitute environmental nuisance, urging political actors to obtain the necessary approval before placing such materials in public or private spaces.
The authority said its directive was backed by Section 14(a) of the BENSESA Law 2005, which provides that: “No person shall paste any handbill, poster, notice, sign or advertisement on any street, public or private property without the permission of the Authority.”
