Communication experts and key stakeholders in the advertising industry have enjoined all political parties and public office seekers in Kwara State to conduct their political campaigns within the limits of laid-down rules by advertising regulatory agencies ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in Ilorin at a one-day Stakeholders’ Engagement on Political Advertising and Campaign Communications, the State Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, stressed the need for all actors in the advertising industry to adhere strictly to laid-down regulations.
The programme was organised by the State Signage and Advertisement Agency (KWASAA) and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and was attended by dignitaries from political parties, media organisations, advertising agencies, community organisations, civil society groups and traditional rulers.
Olukoju, while explaining the dangers of disinformation and defamation, said though it is legitimate for political communicators or advertising practitioners to persuade the public, they must ensure that such communication is neither capable of maligning individuals nor inciting violence.
She urged political communicators to always draw a line between an honest argument and deliberate deception and between competitive politics and incitement while making their legitimate communications.
She hailed the General Manager of KWASAA, Mr Toba Adeyeye, and his team for their purposeful leadership, foresight and dedication to enlightening the public and promoting regulated political communications.
Adeyeye, in his remarks, said unregulated political advertising distorts the electoral environment, undermines public safety, disfigures the beauty of the state and, at its worst, threatens the peace we all cherish.
He states that all political candidates have every right to reach the electorate, state their case or seek a mandate, but the manner in which they often carry this out is concerning, which was why they engaged the key players.
The Director-General, Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr Olalekan Fadolapo, for his part, urged political actors to moderate their political campaigns in a manner that would not threaten peace, noting that communication is a national security issue.
The event also featured a panel discussion, where emphasis was placed on the need for campaign communications to comply with advertising regulations and for advertising agencies to synergise with security agents during enforcement exercises.
Mr Charles Odenigbo, an advertising expert who delivered the keynote address, spoke extensively on the concept of advertising, its guiding rules and penalties for infractions.
He said, according to Articles 76 to 79 of the ARCON Act 2022, political advertising is expected to be issue-oriented and devoid of abusive statements or references.
