The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Plateau State has challenged the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) to explain the alleged selective enforcement of Executive Order 003, following a reported fine imposed on the party and its governorship candidate over political posters.
The party, which accused the Plateau State Government of using public institutions to intimidate the opposition, demanded the immediate withdrawal or suspension of the disputed sanction pending a fair and impartial review.
Addressing a press conference in Jos on Saturday, the ADC State Publicity Secretary, Silas Audu Wettok, said the party was concerned that its campaign materials had allegedly attracted sanctions while posters bearing the images of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which it alleged were displayed on public facilities within the same restricted area, remained visible.
The party said it recognised the need to protect public infrastructure and maintain a clean environment, but insisted that regulations governing political advertisements must be enforced fairly across all political parties.
“Our objection is not to legitimate regulation, but to the apparent selective enforcement of the order,” the statement said.
The ADC called on the JMDB and the state government to publicly explain the alleged disparity in the application of the order, which prohibits political posters on designated public facilities within the Jos-Bukuru metropolitan area.
It also demanded equal enforcement of the directive against the ADC, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other political parties, as well as a transparent review of its implementation to guarantee clarity and fairness.
The party maintained that the JMDB was a public institution that should operate professionally and impartially, rather than be perceived as serving the interests of any political party.
“The JMDB must remember that it is a public institution, not an extension of the APC’s political machinery. Its credibility depends on professionalism, neutrality, and equal treatment under the law,” the statement added.
The ADC also questioned what it described as the urgency with which the disputed political advertisement sanction was being pursued, compared with the demands for decisive action to address insecurity in Plateau State.
It alleged that residents across the state continued to face attacks, displacement, destruction of property and fear, arguing that protecting lives and property should remain a priority for the government.
The party, however, clarified that it was not asking the government to abandon legitimate regulations, insisting that the enforcement of the law, restoration of peace and protection of citizens should be pursued with equal seriousness and accountability.
It urged Governor Mutfwang and his administration to focus on security, development and good governance, rather than actions that could raise concerns about the treatment of opposition parties.
On its political preparations, the ADC said it was strengthening its structures across the 17 local government areas, wards and electoral units in Plateau State ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The party also expressed confidence in its governorship candidate, Brigadier General John Sunday Sura (rtd.), whom it said had the leadership experience to address insecurity, restore public confidence and advance development in the state.
It maintained that administrative sanctions and political pressure would not prevent it from participating in the democratic process, while urging its members and supporters to remain calm, united and law-abiding.
The party further called on the state government and the JMDB to review the disputed fine and ensure that the implementation of Executive Order 003 was free from political discrimination.
“The business of government is to serve the people, not to fight political opponents,” the statement said, adding that the ADC would continue to demand accountability and defend what it described as its democratic rights through lawful means.
The statement concluded with a call for equal treatment of political parties, insisting that Plateau State belonged to all its citizens and not any single political party
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