Bida Council Chairman Usman Manko Orders Opposition Parties To Remove Billboards

The Chairman of Bida Local Government Area of Niger State, Rt. Hon. Usman Mohammed Manko, also known as Danmajen Nupe, has directed the removal of billboards belonging to opposition politicians in the area, with an African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate now demanding clarification on the reason for the directive.

A video obtained by Sahara Reporters shows a billboard belonging to Muhammed Rabiu Sadiq, a senatorial candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), carrying a notice directing its removal.

The notice pasted on the billboard reads: “Please remove: By Bida Local Government.”

In a related development, a media team supporting Hon. Muhammad Abubakar Abacon, the ADC flagbearer for Bida–Gbako–Katcha Federal Constituency in the 2027 elections, has also raised questions over a similar removal notice issued against his billboard.

Abacon's billboard is located around St. John, ESO, Bida, Niger State.

In a statement issued on Sunday, September 13, 2026, the candidate's media team said it had learnt that the billboard had been served with a notice directing its removal by the local government chairman.

The team said it was not seeking confrontation with the council but wanted the authorities to explain the basis for the directive.

“As concerned members of the community, we respectfully seek clarification on this matter,” the statement said.

“This is not about stubbornness, confrontation, or trying to challenge constituted authority. Rather, as people who are still in the dark concerning the reason behind the directive, we believe it is only fair to understand why the billboard was asked to be removed from that particular location.”

The team asked whether the location had been deemed unsuitable or whether there was an issue relating to approval, permission or regulation.

“Was the location found to be unsuitable?

“Was there an issue concerning approval, permission, or regulation?

“Did the billboard contravene any existing rule or by-law?

“Or is there another reason known to the relevant authority?”

It said clarification was particularly important because the directive affected political communication ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We believe that when a directive affects political communication, especially during a period leading to an election, clarity and transparency are important,” the statement said.

“If there is a genuine regulatory reason, we respectfully ask that it be made known so that everyone can understand and comply accordingly.”

The media team also called for equal application of any rules governing political billboards in the area.

“Our intention is not to create unnecessary controversy or disrespect the office of the Local Government Chairman. We simply seek understanding, fairness and equal application of the rules to all political actors,” it said.

The team added: “Leadership is strengthened when citizens can ask questions respectfully, and citizens are equally strengthened when those in authority provide clear answers.”

“We are not here to fight. We are only asking: What is the reason for the removal notice?

“Let the matter be clarified peacefully and transparently.”

The statement was signed by the Hon. Abacon media team on September 13, 2026.

The development comes amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

SaharaReporters could not immediately establish the specific reason given by the Bida Local Government chairman for ordering the removal of the opposition signboards or whether the directive applies to all political parties.

Enugu billboard restrictions

The development comes amid similar restrictions on political campaign materials in other parts of the country.

SaharaReporters reported on September 9, 2026, that the Enugu State Government, through the Enugu State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency (ENSSAA), had reminded political parties, candidates and campaign organisations that its ban on unauthorised pasting and display of posters remained in force across the state.

The agency warned that defaulters could face fines of up to ₦50 million and legal prosecution.

In a public notice signed on September 9 by ENSSAA General Manager Francis Aninwike, the agency said the restriction was aimed at preventing the defacement of public infrastructure as political activities intensified ahead of the Enugu State local government elections and the 2027 general elections.

According to ENSSAA, the prohibition derives statutory force from the Enugu State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency Law No. 12 of 2016, particularly Sections 4(1)(g), 33 and 34(4)(9).

“No person, political party, candidate, aspirant, campaign organisation or supporter is permitted to paste, affix or display posters on buildings, walls, fences, bridges, electricity poles, road infrastructure, public facilities or any other public or private surface or space within Enugu State,” the notice stated.

The agency said campaign materials bearing candidates' names, photographs, logos or slogans were covered by the restriction.