The management of the Anambra State Traffic Management Agency (ATMA) has reportedly suspended some of its officers for two months without pay after they were captured in a viral video singing a campaign song in support of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The disciplinary action was announced on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, following an internal process initiated after the video circulated widely on social media.
The incident reportedly occurred at Nwagu Agulu Junction, where the officers were deployed to control traffic. In the video, the uniformed personnel were seen singing a campaign song associated with the NDC presidential ticket while interacting with a motorist.
Following the controversy, the affected officers were reportedly summoned to the agency’s headquarters in Awka to explain their conduct and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Reports indicate that the officers were subsequently handed a two-month suspension without salary. However, the agency has not publicly provided a detailed explanation of the specific regulations allegedly breached or the grounds on which the punishment was imposed.
There have also been suggestions that the officers may have been prompted to sing after noticing the NDC logo on the motorist’s vehicle. This account, however, has not been independently established.
The reported suspension has raised concerns about the financial situation of the affected officers and their families.
Sources close to the officers said some of them were distressed by the development and had approached influential individuals to appeal to the relevant authorities for leniency.
Their relatives have also reportedly appealed for assistance, including opportunities for alternative employment, expressing fears that the loss of two months’ salary could worsen their financial difficulties.
The incident has reopened debate about the political rights of public employees and the limits of partisan expression while carrying out official duties.
Although public officers retain constitutional rights as citizens, the conditions of service and regulations governing their respective agencies may impose restrictions on political activities performed while on duty or in official uniform.
The distinction between private political expression and partisan conduct in the course of official responsibilities is therefore central to the controversy.
As of the time of this report, ATMA had not publicly clarified whether the suspension was specifically imposed for violating its operational rules, its staff code of conduct or another disciplinary provision.
The agency’s position on the specific grounds for the sanction, as well as any response from the affected officers, remains necessary to provide a fuller account of the development.
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