The Adamawa State Government has declared that the recent conviction and ₦3 million fine imposed on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship aspirant, Omar Suleiman, marks the beginning of strict enforcement of laws prohibiting the defacement of public infrastructure with campaign posters.
Speaking at a press briefing in Yola on Thursday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor said the court’s judgment has affirmed the state’s legal authority to protect public assets and should serve as a warning to all political parties and aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He stressed that the prosecution of the ADC governorship aspirant was not politically motivated but was aimed at enforcing existing laws against the indiscriminate pasting of campaign posters on flyovers, bridges, public buildings, streetlights, road medians and other government facilities.
According to him, public infrastructure was built with taxpayers’ money to improve the lives of residents and must not be turned into campaign advertising spaces.
The government maintained that the law prohibiting the defacement of public property has always been in force and applies equally to all citizens, irrespective of political affiliation or social status.
It noted that the recent court judgment has settled any doubts about the enforceability of the law, adding that no individual or political party would receive preferential treatment.
The Chief Press Secretary said the administration remains committed to preserving the state’s investment in urban renewal, emphasizing that maintaining public infrastructure requires discipline, civic responsibility and respect for the rule of law.
He urged political parties and their supporters to conduct campaigns through approved billboards, designated advertising spaces, newspapers, radio, television, digital media and other lawful platforms instead of defacing public property.
The government also directed relevant agencies to intensify surveillance across the state, warning that anyone found violating the law would be arrested and prosecuted.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting public assets and enforcing the law fairly, firmly and without exception.