Abia State Imposes ₦200m Fee on Presidential Campaign Billboards

Abia State's Structure for Signage and Advertising Agency (ABSSAA) announced a fee schedule for outdoor political advertising ahead of the 2027 general elections. Presidential candidates must pay ₦200 million, governorship candidates ₦150 million, with lower amounts for senatorial (₦100 million), House of Representatives (₦50 million) and State House of Assembly candidates (₦20 million). The fees cover the entire campaign period and will be enforced by dismantling any unapproved displays.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) condemned the charges as excessive and potentially illegal under the Nigerian Electoral Act. ADC chairman Kalu Kalu Agu warned the fees could disadvantage opposition candidates and asked ABSSAA to lower them. ABSSAA said the rates apply equally to all parties and are not intended to suppress opposition, emphasizing safety and public order considerations.