The Abia State Government has announced that political parties fielding presidential candidates in the 2027 general elections will pay ₦200 million to obtain campaign advertising permits for the use of billboards, posters and other outdoor advertising platforms across the state.
Key Highlights:
- Presidential candidates to pay ₦200 million campaign advertising permit fee.
- Governorship candidates to pay ₦150 million, while senatorial candidates will pay ₦100 million.
- House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates will pay ₦50 million and ₦20 million, respectively.
- Abia Government says the fee schedule is non-negotiable and applies equally to all political parties.
- Outdoor advertisers and opposition parties describe the charges as excessive and legally questionable.
The Abia State Structures for Signages and Advertising Agency (ABSSAA) announced the fee schedule on Wednesday during a Stakeholders’ Forum on Political Campaign Advertising Fees held in Aba.
The forum, themed “Order in Outdoors: Partnership for Safe Campaigns, Sustainable Revenue and a Cleaner Abia,” brought together government officials, political parties and stakeholders in the advertising industry.
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Speaking at the event, the Head of Department, Strategy, Innovation and Design at ABSSAA, Mr. Ndubuisi Nwaogwugwu, said the permit fees are backed by existing state laws regulating signage and outdoor advertising.
According to him, the approved rates are:
Presidential candidates: ₦200 million
Governorship candidates: ₦150 million
Senatorial candidates: ₦100 million
House of Representatives candidates: ₦50 million
House of Assembly candidates: ₦20 million
He stated that the approved schedule will apply throughout the official election campaign period.
The Director-General of the Abia State Strategic Communications Bureau, Sir Onyebuchi Ememanka, described the permit schedule as non-negotiable, insisting the policy is aimed at protecting public safety, preserving the state’s environment and ensuring orderly political campaigns.
According to him, Governor Alex Otti’s administration remains committed to providing equal opportunities for all political parties without discrimination.
“Provided the rules are obeyed, official guidelines followed and appropriate fees paid, every political party and candidate will enjoy equal access to outdoor advertising opportunities,” Ememanka said.
However, the announcement drew criticism from industry stakeholders.
The President of the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN), Dr. Sola Akinsiku, represented by the association’s Treasurer, Mr. Chinweuba Nwagu, argued that the proposed charges are unsustainable and could discourage political advertising.
He warned that the policy may reduce voter education, increase voter apathy and negatively affect democratic participation, while urging the state government to review the fees through further stakeholder engagement.
Also speaking, the Abia State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr. Kalu Kalu, questioned the legal basis for the charges.
He argued that Supreme Court decisions have vested the responsibility for collecting outdoor advertising fees in local governments, adding that any regulation inconsistent with the Electoral Act could face legal challenges.
Representing Governor Alex Otti’s Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, the Special Adviser on Investments and Public-Private Partnership, Chief Green Amankwe, said the administration remains committed to building a cleaner, safer and more investment-friendly Abia.
He urged all stakeholders to ensure political advertising promotes peace, responsible engagement and compliance with established regulations.
